Between Lapita and the Hiri: Occupational Trends and Settlement Patterns at Caution Bay, Papua New Guinea 1897-739 cal BP

This thesis examines: (1) archaeological changes in cultural and technological practices at Caution Bay, Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the period 1897-739 cal BP; and (2) how these changes relate to preceding and subsequent periods for the Caution Bay-Port Moresby region, and the PNG south coast. An archaeological analysis of the cultural assemblages revealed that during the period 1897-739 cal BP people moved away from Caution Bay, where for the previous 900 years large villages had been occupied. This shift in settlement patterns were a response to the development of dense mangrove forests along the coast, restricting people’s access to the sea.