[In conjunction with the US Embassy]
Samoan Heritage Project/AFCP
| Samoan Heritage Project |
Publications and Presentations |
LiDAR Map Server |
The Foaga Files |
Academic Research - QGIS 3d |
Quick Tour Map |
Publications & Presentations:
[Select below]
|
|
|
ABSTRACT :
This communication presents results from LiDAR-guided field research in 2017 which
revealed the existence of continuous indigenous population zones stretching from the
coast to three or more kilometres inland across the district of Palauli East, Savai‘i.
The findings amplify archaeological evidence of a small number of inland settlements
(recorded in the 1970s and earlier) on the main islands of ‘Upolu and Savai‘i as well
as recent studies of the small islands of the Manu‘a group and Manono. They build
the case that in centuries prior to the 19th century inland settlement was far more
extensive and villages were not, as had been widely assumed, mainly located on the
coast. The findings also support contentions that Samoa may have had a much larger
population in previous centuries than that indicated by missionary estimates of the
mid-19th century. |
 [Last updated: 18 Sept. 2018] |
|
|
|
ABSTRACT :
During recent field survey work in Aleipata on the southeast coast of the
Independent State of Samoa several new archaeological features have been discovered
by a LiDAR-guided ground survey. The survey confirmed evidence from LiDAR
images of a dense habitation zone from the coast to several kilometres inland with
an extensive drainage system. We suggest that prior to the nineteenth century, when
Samoan political organisation was first described, the extent and interconnectivity
of the channels suggest that a larger population, a more intensive organisation of
labour and resources for agricultural production, and a more extensive system of
political authority existed. |
 [Last updated: 12 Aug. 2019] |
Samoa Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Database
for the Independent State of Samoa
|
An overview of "UTU" -- Samoan Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Database for the Independent State of Samoa, presented on November 12, 2021 at the FOSS4G SotM 2021 Oceania Conference in Apia,Samoa. UTU: Samoa Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Database for the Independent State of Samoa] |
 [Last updated: 15 Nov. 2021] |
Samoa Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Database
for the Independent State of Samoa
|
ABSTRACT : The Samoa Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Database was begun in 2016 as an ongoing means of encouraging and assisting more archaeological research in Samoa. It is also building a stronger engagement between the Archaeology and Cultural Heritage research and teaching programme at the Centre for Samoan Studies at the National University with government agencies here, and is contributing to the still incomplete processes of preparing heritage protection legislation. Known as "Utu" (meaning "a container for treasures'). The Samoa Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Database maps known archaeological sites and previously undocumented sites identified by surveys and analysis of LiDAR images using a global information system (GIS) program. Mapped sites are linked to information about them, including archaeological analysis, historical sources, and oral traditions and any other available information. The work so far has provided new evidence for Samoa's prehistory in relation to population size and distribution, settlement patterns and land use. |
 [Last updated: 11 Mar. 2022] |
|
Make sure to check for updates and additions for the latest information (see "Last Updated" date under each download link). Comments and/or suggestions can be sent to: g.jackmond@nus.edu.ws |