Prior to the excavations of Sue Bulmer in the late 1950s, the archaeological modelling of New Guinea’s past was hindered by a lack of time depth. Archaeological models of change involving the movement of peoples were the norm, and they were based on datasets including material culture, language, and physical attributes of people. This article charts early attempts of archaeology in exploring Papua New Guinea’s past using excavation and material culture. It concludes by noting that despite past drawbacks in interpreting these early excavations and analyses, these legacy collections can be revisited using modern scientific techniques in providing new directions in understanding the past.
- 9926552017301891
- History of Archaeology in Papua New Guinea
- Glenn R Summerhayes
- Ian J McNiven (Editor) - Monash UniversityBruno David (Editor) - Monash University
- The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Indigenous Australia and New Guinea
- Archaeology
- Oxford University Press
- 22/02/2024
- English
- Book chapter