article
Prehistoric garden terraces in the eastern highlands of Papua New Guinea
Tools & tillage • 5 (4) • Published In 1987 • Pages: 199-213, 260
By: Sullivan, M. E., Hughes, P. J., Golson, Jack.
Abstract
Sullivan et al. examined terraces that had been previously thought to have formed naturally. The authors' examination, which included archaelogical excavation, proved these terraces to be cultural; probably made for agricultural purposes. Soil development indicates these terraces may be thousands of years old. They were probably used to grow taro and abandoned after the introduction of the sweet potato. Archaeological sites were found associated with some of the terraces. These sites have been interpreted as "short term occupation locations where food was cooked, and where the maintenance of wooden artifacts associated with gardening activites was carried out." The reasons for the abandonment of the terraces are probably complicated and will require further research.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Melanesia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Archaeologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Sarah Berry; 1999
- Field Date
- 1984, 1985
- Coverage Date
- 10,000 BP - 100 BP
- Coverage Place
- Yonki region; Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
- Notes
- By M. E. Sullivan, P. J. Hughes and J. Golson
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 260)
- LCCN
- 74017794
- LCSH
- Papua New Guinea Antiquities