Thesis
Plants, people and landscapes in prehistoric Papua New Guinea: a compendium of phytolith (and starch) analyses
Southern Cross University, School of Environmental Science and Management, Centre for Geoarchaeology and Palaeoenvironmental Research
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2003
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Abstract
Analysis of plant microfossils, (phytoliths and starch grains) from dryland sediments in the humid tropics of Papua New Guinea can provide a means for resolving archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and palaeoethnobotanical problems. This thesis presents a series of research projects whereby this is demonstrated. It is presented in two sections, each dealing with its own set of specific problems.
Section I is linked with archaeological research on Garua Island, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Here the aim of my research was to determine patterns of change relating volcanic disturbance, human settlement and subsistence. By undertaking a series of preliminary studies assessing the potential of phytolith and starch grain analyses for differentiating between modern environments, developing appropriate extraction methodologies, and building a comparative phytolith reference collection for Papua New Guinea flora, I have been able to produce an environmental reconstruction for the Holocene period of Garua Island, showing very detailed patterns of environmental change, which is supportive of the archaeological evidence. The results of this analysis build onto our understanding of subsistence patterns, patterns of continuity and change, and people/environmental interaction on Garua Island throughout the Holocene.
Section II is linked to two other archaeological projects; one on Watom Island, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, and the other at the Kuk Swamp site in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Here I have focused on the question of early banana cultivation and domestication in Papua New Guinea. My analysis of phytolith assemblages has confirmed the presence of Eumusa bananas at the Kuk and Watom archaeological sites. Strong evidence for early banana cultivation at both sites comes from combining my results with the archaeological (and pollen) data. Consequently, by linking this new evidence with the genetic and geographic distributional data, I have been able to assess the significance of Papua New Guinea with regard to origins of banana cultivation and domestication.
Details
- Title
- Plants, people and landscapes in prehistoric Papua New Guinea: a compendium of phytolith (and starch) analyses
- Creators
- Carol Lentfer
- Contributors
- Bill Edgar Boyd (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityRobin Torrence (Supervisor) - Australian Museum
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University, School of Environmental Science and Management, Centre for Geoarchaeology and Palaeoenvironmental Research
- Number of pages
- 2 volumes (xiv, 389)
- Identifiers
- 991012957299802368
- Copyright
- © Carol Lentfer 2003
- Academic Unit
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering
- Resource Type
- Thesis