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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2016

Andrew Fairbairn  and
Pamela Swadling
Andrew Fairbairn*
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeology and Natural History, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Coombs Building, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
Pamela Swadling
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeology and Natural History, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Coombs Building, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
*
Corresponding author. Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

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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.

Type
Articles
Information
Radiocarbon , Volume 47 , Issue 3 , 2005 , pp. 377 - 382
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona 

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