New Zealand Journal of Archaeology Index  >  Vol 27 Addison

Ceramic Deposit Below Fifth to

Sixth Century AD Volcanic Ash Fall at Pava‘ia‘i,

Tutuila Island, American Samoa:

Preliminary Results from Site AS-31-171

David J. Addison1, Tuipuavai Tago1, Jeffery Toloa1 and Erik Pearthree1

ABSTRACT

A Polynesian Plainware-bearing cultural deposit underlying a volcanic ash deposit

is described for Pava‘ia‘i, Tutuila Island. The cultural deposit dates to c. cal AD

240–640. Volcanic activity on Tutuila is inferred to have continued until at least

this period. Metric attributes and rim form of a 33-sherd assemblage from the site

(Site AS-31-171) are summarised. The uniqueness in Samoa of the deposit as an

undisturbed primary ceramic-bearing deposit with well defined chronology is

proposed. Effects of the late Holocene volcanism on prehistoric human populations

of Tutuila are suggested.

Key Words: LEONE VOLCANICS, TUTUILA ARCHAEOLOGY, POLYNESIAN

PLAINWARE, CERAMICS, SETTLEMENT PATTERN, SAMOA.

1 American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) Archaeology Program, PO Box PPB Pagopago, AS

96799, USA. Email davea@aspower.com.

Ó Copyright New Zealand Archaeological Association.

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