The palaeoenvironments of Kuk Swamp from the beginnings of agriculture in the highlands of Papua New Guinea

Simon Haberle, Carol Lentfer, Shawn O'Donnell, Tim Denham

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    Pollen, phytolith and charcoal records from the archaeological wetland site of Kuk Swamp, Wahgi Valley, Papua New Guinea spanning the period from <20,000 to 270calBP are compiled to reconstruct past vegetation and plant exploitation during the earliest to late phases of agricultural development. Samples collected from exposed stratigraphic sections associated with archaeological excavations enable detailed reconstructions of local vegetation and fire histories that can be directly linked to archaeological evidence for agricultural activity. The record of past environmental change is constructed through detailed chronological control and stratigraphic correlation across the swamp, revealing evidence of early Holocene vegetation disturbance including short-term, patchy forest loss and burning considered indicative of plant exploitation. It is not until the mid-Holocene (after 7000calBP) that persistent and widespread forest loss occurs, with burning and the transplanting of Musa banana into an open grassland environment, which is contemporary with local archaeological features representing cultivation practices. Multi-proxy palaeoecological evidence at Kuk provides a robust vegetation history and land use chronology for the Upper Wahgi Valley for the late Pleistocene and Holocene, including the emergence of an agricultural landscape by 7000calBP. Subsequent agricultural developments in the highlands of New Guinea can be seen as a series of continuing indigenous innovations in agricultural technology in the face of increased land degradation, climate change and external influences.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)129-139
    JournalQuaternary International
    Volume249
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The palaeoenvironments of Kuk Swamp from the beginnings of agriculture in the highlands of Papua New Guinea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this