Bayesian re-evaluation of Lapita settlement in Fiji: radiocarbon analysis of the Lapita occupation at Bourewa and nearby sites on the Rove Peninsula, Viti Levu Island

摘要: 80 radiocarbon dates are presented for Lapita-era sites on the Rove Peninsula, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji.  Of these, 67 from Bourewa site which is largest and probably earliest in area.  10 rejected as not being demonstrably associated with its Lapita occupation. Constraints date interpretation arising sample materials highlighted.  In particular, charcoals that have been identified to short-lived tree species, twigs or seeds evaluated according observed contextual associations established understanding of inbuilt age offsets using Bayesian outlier analysis.  It concluded many charcoal imprecise indicators settlement an average offset 150 years.  Shell results similarly it majority 14 C values equilibrium marine reservoir therefore yield ages accurate occupation Bourewa. Results suggest initial at occurred 2814±25 calBP (2837-2786 [68.2% prob.]; 2865-2770 [95.4% prob.]) ended 2657±20 (2677-2641 2690-2614 prob.]).  Similar analyses applied other dated Fiji shows that, while among earliest, Matanamuani (VL 21/5) Naigani Island remains be securely dated.