Excavations at Vainu'u (AS-32-016): A Multi-Component highland site near Tuaolo village, Tutuila Island, American Samoa

Abstract

This report summarizes the archaeological studies at Vainu’u (AS-32-016), a multi-component site located on Tutuila Island, American Samoa. The primary concern of this research was to chronologically place the site so as to help determine its eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. The site was mapped and excavated by a Texas A&M University archaeology crew in 2006 and 2007. The two archaeological field seasons resulted in extensive mapping of the site as well as the excavation of 23 1x1 meter pits. Radiocarbon evidence collected for this report indicates that Vainu’u was occupied during three prehistoric periods: the Late Eastern Lapita Period (2700 - 2300 B.P.), the Plain Ware Period (2300 - 1700+ B.P.), and the Monument Building Period (1000 - 250 B.P). Based on current evidence, we divide the occupation of Vainu’u into two prehistoric components. A cluster of seven radiocarbon samples date Component 1 from 2270 to 2440 B.P; this component is associated with the ceramicbearing layer of the site. Based on a single radiocarbon date collected from within a posthole, Component 2 dates to ca. 650 B.P.; this component is associated with a large house foundation. Excavations at Vainu’u fundamentally change our understanding of highland occupation. In light of this research, we argue that Vainu’u should be considered for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places under criterion A: Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history and under criterion D: Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.