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A Colocasian revolution in the New Guinea Highlands? Insights from Phase 4 at Kuk
Author(s) -
BaylissSmith Tim,
Golson Jack
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
archaeology in oceania
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1834-4453
pISSN - 0728-4896
DOI - 10.1002/j.1834-4453.1992.tb00279.x
Subject(s) - swamp , wetland , archaeology , table (database) , agriculture , water table , population , plough , geography , new guinea , ecology , geology , biology , history , groundwater , ethnology , demography , geotechnical engineering , sociology , computer science , data mining
Archaeological evidence of ditches and field systems is described for Phase 4 (second millenium bp) at Kuk swamp, upper Wahgi valley, Papua New Guinea. In Phase 4 control of the water table was achieved by grid patterns of field drains which articulated with larger disposal channels. We provide an interpretation of the reconstructed agricultural system using ethnographic data from the upper Kaugel valley, and using also experimental data from Baisu Corrective Institution and Kuk Agricultural Research Station. We conclude that Phase 4 was concerned with the production of taro ( Colocasia esculenta ), and involved brief episodes of cropping followed by swamp fallow designed to eliminate infestation of drained soils by taro beetles ( Papuana spp.). We outline a model for the Kuk economy at 1200 bp, and predict populations for Kuk using alternative scenarios for wetland dependence and the absence or importance of pigs. The wetland component was clearly labour intensive and had the potential to support high population densities. The evidence supports the idea that a localised Colocasian Revolution long predated the recent and more widespread Ipomoean Revolution.