Tongan archaeology and the Tongan past, 2850-150 B.P.

Abstract

Archaeological research in the Kingdom of Tonga has documented a continuous sequence of human settlement, adaptation, and change for the period 2850-150 B.P. Tongan culture history is synthesized using a four phase chronology that includes an Early Eastern Lapita Ceramic Period, a Polynesian Plain Ware Ceramic Period, an aceramic Formative Development Period, and a Complex Centralized Chiefdom Period. Beyond description of the archaeological record for this chronology, discussions center on a history of archaeological research in the Kingdom, a review of complementary data sources and approaches that inform upon the Tongan past, and an examination of Tongan data within the broader framework of Fijian/Western Polynesian pre-history. Problems and challenges for future archaeological studies in Tonga are identified as a conclusion.