Human Dispersals into Micronesia

Intoh, Michiko (1997). "Human Dispersals into Micronesia". Anthropological Science. 105 (1): 15–28. doi:10.1537/ase.105.15. ISSN 1348-8570 0918-7960, 1348-8570 .

• Has attachment: File:XFF92TRQ.pdf

Abstract: The article “Human Dispersals into Micronesia” by Michiko Intoh explores the complex history of human migration into the Micronesian islands, based on archaeological evidence. The study suggests four major waves of human dispersal into the region, beginning around 3600 years before present (B.P.) with an initial movement to the Mariana Islands. Subsequent migrations occurred to other island groups at different times, forming a more intricate model than previously proposed by linguistic studies.

Micronesia, encompassing numerous high volcanic and low coral islands, is divided into three geographical regions for study: Western, Central, and Eastern Micronesia. Contrary to earlier beliefs that Micronesia served solely as a route to Polynesia, the archaeological record affirms that it was a more dynamic region, accepting various migrations from multiple directions.

The earliest evidence of settlement, including decorated pottery akin to Lapita traditions, suggests a shared ancestral culture rather than direct derivation. This pottery was found in several sites, such as the Achugao site on Saipan in the Mariana Islands. Potential origins of these settlers have been suggested to be as far as western and southern directions, aligning with some shared technological developments observed in archaeological findings.

Central Micronesia evidence shows possible dispersal influences from the south, linked to the Lapita cultural complex, though this requires more support. An alternate model posits a western origin based on shared pottery-making techniques, particularly seen in recent finds from Fais island

Extra details:

MAG: 2012452859
OpenAlex: W2012452859
CorpusID: 84697727