Work

Re-Dating Mid-Holocene Betelnut (Areca Catechu L.) and Other Plant Use at Dongan, Papua New Guinea

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: Direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of anaerobically preserved plant remains from the Dongan site in New Guinea, combined with assessment of preservation condition, confirms earlier doubts about the antiquity of betelnut (Areca catechu L.) found at the site. A possible sago leaf fragment is also identified as a modern contaminant. The mid-Holocene age of other fruit and nut remains is verified using these methods. The utility of AMS dating in combination with detailed archaeobotanical assessment is demonstrated, thus improving chronometric hygiene and with it knowledge of past plant use in Oceania.

Source: Radiocarbon

DOI: 10.1017/s0033822200035153

Authors: Andrew Fairbairn, Pamela Swadling

Institution: Australian National University

Language: English

Topic: Archaeology and ancient environmental studies

Subfield: Paleontology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Awards: OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM - OREGON SEA GRANT INSTITUTIONAL OMNIBUS PLAN 1998-2001, G830016531