Ceramic deposit below fifth to sixth century AD volcanic ash fall at Pava'ia'i, Tutuila Island, American Samoa: preliminary results from site AS-31-171

Abstract

A Polynesian Plainware-bearing cultural deposit underlying a volcanic ash deposit is described for Pava'ia'i, Tutuila Island. The cultural deposit dates to c. cal AD 240-640. Volcanic activity on Tutuila is inferred to have continued until at least this period. Metric attributes and rim form of a 33-sherd assemblage from the site (Site AS-31-171) are summarised. The uniqueness in Samoa of the deposit as an undisturbed primary ceramic-bearing deposit with well defined chronology is proposed. Effects of the late Holocene volcanism on prehistoric human populations of Tutuila are suggested.