The SAC burial ground, Watom Island, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Discussion of the burial practices associated with the Lapita cultural complex has previously been limited through lack of evidence. This is rectified by presenting the basic mortuary data on a sample of eight adult inhumations from the SAC burial ground in the Reber-Rakival Lapita site on Watom Island and comparing them with three individual burials from Lapita sites in Fiji and Tonga. A common preference for burial in flexed positions within a small rounded pit feature is evident in the sample, although this practice does not apply to every case. There is, however, less consistency in orientation of the body, the greatest number being with the head to the west.