UPNG/Monash University Archaeologists discovers evidence of trade links between Port Moresby and Milne Bay



A recent trip by Archaeology and Anthropology students of the University of Papua New Guinea to Hula, Central Province, to investigate aspects of prehistoric trade and exchange along the Papua coast had uncovered materials of significant importance that would give an insight on the cultural heritage and activities many hundreds of years ago.

The discovery of pieces of pottery, sea shells, animal bones, stone artefacts and charcoal was made along the coast of Kamali and Kalo villages.

The archaeological surveys and excavations would create exciting new information that would take some time to analyse in the various archaeology laboratories at UPNG and Monash University in Melbourne.

 However, preliminary analyses have already emphasized the links between Port Moresby and the Hood Bay which is comparable with the beginning of the Hiri in the order of some 800 years ago. 

Dr. Robert Skelly and Dr. Thomas Richards from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia provided the opportunity for the UPNG students along with UPNG archaeology lecturer, Dr. Matthew Leavesley(UPNG)  and Alu Guise from the PNG National Museum& Art Gallery were among the team with the students.

A final year Archaeology and Anthropology student at UPNG, Roxanne Tsang said that discovering the new evidence was very overwhelming and the materials would definitely give significant insight on the cultural heritage and activities many hundreds of years ago within the villages of Kalo, Kamali, Hula and the region as a whole.

“The Hiri often dominates discussions of ancestral trade links in Port Moresby. However, we know from oral traditions that there are also extensive trade and exchange networks that link Port Moresby to Milne Bay. Hence, the Hood Bay region then, was an important area to explore these ancient trading networks. We visited the old settlement sites in order to identify excavation sites.

“It was indeed very exciting especially to find such materials and truly inspiring working with such terrific archaeologists,” Said Tsang.

Tsang added that the locals were very corporative and assisted in their field trip and thanked the community in Kalo village for t heir support.

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