A renewed archaeological and archaeobotanical assessment of house sites at Kuk Swamp in the highlands of Papua New Guinea

A renewed analysis of archaeological and archaeobotanical remains from Kuk Swamp, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Papua New Guinea, reveals the presence of domesticated plants such as sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) and probable sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), pushing back the timeline of early agriculture in the region. The study utilized direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating on macrobotanical remains, distinguishing at least two distinct periods of settlement. This research provides a more reliable taxonomic identification of plant remains, offering significant insights into the origins and development of agricultural practices in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

LEWIS, T., DENHAM, T., & GOLSON, J. (2016). A renewed archaeological and archaeobotanical assessment of house sites at Kuk Swamp in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Archaeology in Oceania, 51(S1), 91–103. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/arco.5113