David, Bruno and Aplin, Ken and Petchey, Fiona and Skelly, Robert and Mialanes, Jerome and Jones-Amin, Holly and Stanisic, John and Barker, Bryce and Lamb, Lara (2015) Kumukumu 1, a hilltop site in the Aird Hills: implications for occupational trends and dynamics in the Kikori River delta, south coast of Papua New Guinea. Quaternary International, 385. pp. 7-26. ISSN 1040-6182
Abstract
We report on archaeological excavations undertaken at Kumukumu 1 atop the dense rainforest-clad Aird Hills of the Kikori river delta islands, south coast of Papua New Guinea. Results indicate exploitation of the nearby environment, including the gathering of some 200 million shellfish from riverine habitats at the base of the hill some 600 years ago, and deposition of shell remains onto hilltop middens. We ask what the implications of such a site in a defensive location on the upper, steep hillslope of Kumukumu hill are for regional occupation and dynamics. We conclude that the hinterland-marine fringe islands of
the river deltas that include the site of Kumukumu 1 were especially sensitive to heightened crosscultural influences and inter-group raids and competition, leading to accelerated processes of centralisation and aggrandisement among some groups, and the subjugation, fragmentation and dispersal of less powerful neighbouring groups.
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