Abstract
This study investigates the prehistoric trade and exchange of Karkar Island on the northeast coast of Papua New Guinea. Karkar is located strategically between chains of volcanic islands, stretching from the Vitiaz Strait in the east to Aitape, west on the Sepik coast. It is inhabited by the non-Austronesian (Waskia) and Austronesian (Takia) groups. Anthropologists have recorded significant trade and exchange activities involving these groups domestically and abroad - particularly with the Bel speaking Austronesians on mainland Madang. However, there is limited archaeological data to understand its deep past and how these two ethnically diverse groups co-exist in a tectonically active environment, maintaining contact with outsiders for their sustenance.
To understand the nature of trade and exchange between Karkar and its neighbours, physical and elemental analysis were carried on the pottery and obsidian from the sites on the islands. The pottery shards were examined for their vessel forms and physiochemical make up. All forms conform to the Madang-style vessels. PxRF analysis were carried out on 24 pieces of obsidian, with all materials being sourced from Kutau source in West New Britian. The obsidian implements were all imported as finished tools as evident in their reduced sizes. The study concludes that in the last 400 years, Karkar was socioeconomically connected to communities in the east.