Lapita on the Periphery. New data on old problems in the Kingdom of Tonga

Abstract

Abstract Archaeological research in the Kingdom of Tonga over the past four decades illustrates a widespread distribution of Lapita coloniser sites throughout the archipelago. A 1999 re‐excavation and assessment of the Nukuleka (To 2) and Ha'ateiho (To 5) sites on Fanga 'Uta Lagoon on the southern island of Tongatapu, as well as survey of the Lapita‐age paleoshoreline of the lagoon, provide new insights on old problems relating to first human settlement. The Tongatapu results are compared to Lapita site data recovered from the Ha'apai island group between 1995 and 1997. Inferences subsequently are made on the broader issues of Tongan chronology, settlement progression, material culture technologies, settlement pattern and economy.