Lapita Pottery and a Lower Sea Level in Western Samoa

Abstract

Radiocarbon dates are presented supporting previous estimates of a 2800- to 3000-year B.P. age for a collection of Lapita pottery sherds recovered by dredging a now-submerged coastal settlement on the island of Upolu in Western Samoa. New data describing a much enlarged collection are discussed in relation to previously reported materials, and the question of possible changes of sea level as the mechanism for submergence is evaluated.