What is Archaeology? Samoan History Sites on Tutuila Archaeology is the study of ancient history through mate- Samoa was settled rial remains. Archaeologists use excavation followed by around 3500 years ago, Archaeological sites in the analysis to understand past human societies and how during the Lapita expan- National Park

they changed over time. sion. The Lapita people As the largest and most populous island in Ameri- are thought to have can Samoa, there are numerous archaeological Archaeologists working at the Lower Sa’uma Such research is important because the majority of originated from SE Asia, Ridge. Photo by Esaias Fa’aita sites on Tutuila. The most significant sites within the human past is not recorded by written history. This bringing with them language, material culture and the national park boundaries are located along the is especially the case in cultures with oral traditions, ideas as they voyaged across the Pacific. This cultural Vatia Powerline trail, which runs from Mount Alava including Samoa and other parts of the Pacific. complex is widely recognized by its distinct dentate- down to Vatia village on the northern coast of Tu- Through archaeology it is possible to reconstruct as- stamped pottery, from which the name Lapita derives. tuila. Surveyed sites within this area include: Up- pects of human society, such as past human diets, The various crops (such as taro and breadfruit) and per Sauma Ridge, Lower Sauma Ridge, Siufaga housing and lifestyles, giving us insight into the differ- animals (pigs, dogs and chickens) that the Lapita peo- Ridge, Mount Alava Ridge, Maugaloa Ridge and ences and similarities within human history, the present ple brought to Samoa formed the basis of Samoan Tiatauala Ridge. Several sites have been located and the future. culture. but not yet fully surveyed. These include: Olo Ridge, Faiga Ridge and Magaotula Ridge. The National Park Service of America regularly conducts The islands of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji make up the area archaeological research within the park boundaries. This of Western Polynesian, the homeland of Polynesian Lower Sauma Ridge and the Vatia Powerline Trail work is carried out in conjunction with local communities, culture. However, each island group has developed its have been archaeologically excavated. Eleven who donate time as well as valuable knowledge of local own unique culture despite continued interaction and features were discovered on three terraces de- history. The results of this research are on display at the migration between the islands. scending towards the ocean, with stone tools dis- National Park Center covered in the vicinity. Several of the other sites Grinding stone or foaga at Saua site. Photo by Epi in Pago Pago. Suafo’a-Taua’i The most significant archaeology sites in Ameri- have been surveyed to allow for future archaeo- can Samoa consist of star mounds, adze quar- logical work if required. “ Give a basic under- ries, habitation areas and grave sites. Terraces standing of the tradi- are also common modifications on the land- Map of Tutuila tional Samoan culture scape, and stone tools have of some 3000 years” - been found in various loca- National Park General tions and numbers around Management Plan, the islands. 1997

Key: Archaeology in Excavated site Surveyed site Recorded site American Samoa National Park Visitor Center Archaeology on Manu’a Islands Future Research The beautiful Manu’a Islands hold much significance in The National Park of American Samoa was established Samoan history. The three island chain consists of: in 1993, in order to preserve the stunning natural envi- ronment of the American Samoa archipelago. The crea- Ofu & Olosega tion of the 50th National These two islands have several archaeological sites Park was made possible that have been found and recorded, but have not yet by working closely with been surveyed to assess their full potential. Joined to- Samoan chiefs and vil- day by a short road bridge, the proximity of the two is- lages, who leased the lands has led them to be commonly grouped together current park land to the ARCHAEOLOGY throughout history. On the island of Olosega the records National Park Service Aerial view of Tutuila, showing the geography of consist of mountain sites from Maga point up to Piuma- under 50 year leases. It the National Park. Photo by Michael Tennant. fua. The island of Ofu has park boundaries which are is through this service located on a four-mile stretch of coast. But sites have that both the natural and cultural resources of Samoa been found inland, and further studied by archaeolo- can be protected and integrated into local Samoan life. gists such as Kirch and Hunt on their To’aga There are still many sites throughout the park yet to Report. have their rich treasures discovered. Although some research has been done, there is always more to under- Ta’u take in order to provide understanding of the profound Ta’u is believed to be the birth place of the god Tagaloa, culture and heritage of American Samoa. The initiatives and was the island of residence for for the future by the Park Service in- the Samoan high chief or matai clude: wayside exhibits, increased vil- until American government was estab- lage/community involvement and edu- lished in 1904. The village site of Saua is cation to encourage protection and important because oral history describes appreciation of Samoa’s precious it as the site of the first ‘ava ceremony. It has history for further generations to enjoy. been surveyed, but has yet to be excavated if required. Several other sites have been found further Contact south at Luama’a, Vaito’a and Si’u, but require survey- National Park Service ing to assess their sustainability. Suite 114, Pago Plaza Pago Pago American Samoa A Guide to archaeology Phone: 684-633-7082 Sites in Manu’a Fax: 684-633-7085 in the National Park of E-mail: Epi_Suafo’[email protected] American Samoa Front Cover Photo: Ben Teele