Islands on the Edge: Modelling Lapita Exchange in the Bismarck Archipelago through Petrographic Analysis of Pottery from the St. Matthias and Anir Islands, Papua New Guinea

Nicholas W.S. Hogg1*, Yu-yin Su1, Scarlett Chiu1, Glenn R. Summerhayes2, and Patrick V. Kirch3

This study presents the results of new petrographic analyses of Lapita pottery excavated from sites in the St. Matthias and Anir Islands, offering new insights into the nature of interaction and exchange occurring within the Early to Middle Lapita Periods in the Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea. The research is based on data resulting from the analysis of 168 new samples from the sites of Tamuarawai (EQS) and Kamgot (ERA), from Emirau and Anir Islands, respectively, and a further 182 samples from the sites of Talepakemalai (ECA), Etakosarai (ECB), and Etapakengaroasa (EHB) in the Mussau Islands. Assessed with reference to geological information and a comparative petrographic dataset compiled from sites around the region, it was found that pottery was produced both locally and from a wide range of production areas around the Bismarck Archipelago. The study concludes that this pattern reflects a complex scenario of production reflective of both: 1. connections between the St. Matthias and Anir Islands to other communities as part of complex regional networks of interaction and exchange, and 2. variable practices of production reflecting the goals and priorities of specific local communities and their position and role within the exchange networks spanning the Bismarck Archipelago.