RECENT EXCAVATIONS ON THREE ATOLLS IN THE CAROLINE ISLANDS: A NOTE
As part of a wider anthropological investigation carried out between August 1975 and June 1976, we undertook archaeological excavations at four different sites on three atolls in the central Caroline Islands. The three atolls were Faraulep, Woleai, and Lamotrek, all of which lie within the Yap administrative district of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Since these are the first atoll sites of Micronesian cultural provenance excavated, we believe their potential importance warrants this preliminary statement even though it is offered before the materials recovered have been fully analysed.
The locations and probable original character of the sites are as follow:
| ATOLL AND ISLAND | SITE NAME | PROBABLE ORIGINAL USE |
| Faraulep, Faraulep Island | Pangaral | Former men's house |
| Woleai, Falalus Island | Wolibai-Taliwu | Former ghost house |
| Lamotrek, Lamotrek Island | Sabaig | Former dwelling |
| Bolipi | Former dwelling |
Pangaral site (Trench I, 1 m by 3 m, and Trench II, 2 m by 2 m) was excavated to a depth of 220 cm between November 4 and November 11, 1975. Only two shell adze blades were found although an extended period of occupation was verified by the presence of hearth remains. At this site there was evidence that typhoon damage interrupted the period of occupation, suggested by a distinctive stratum of white sand and coral cobbles. This is of some interest since it serves to substantiate certain traditional histories concerning the site and its location with respect to a former shoreline of the island.
Wolibai-Taliwu (1 m by 3 m) was excavated between March 19 and March 21, 1976, to a depth of 80 cm where large coral cobbles were encountered. For all practical purposes this was a sterile site, yielding only one artefact, a bonito lure, close to the surface.
The two sites on Lamotrek were comparatively rich. Sabaig was excavated to a depth of 200 cm between April 7 and April 27, and Bolipi to a depth of 245 cm, where the fresh-water lens was reached, between May 4 and May 18, 1976. A single trench was dug at Sabaig, 1 m by 3 m, and two trenches at Bolipi, the first 1 m by 3 m and the second 1 m by 1 m. Both sites reportedly were former dwelling locations and again the evidence yielded through excavation supports - 414 
the statements of informants. Numerous shell adze blades, of at least four different types, shell bracelets, necklaces, shell receptacles, and other items were recovered. Of particular importance was the discovery of potsherds at both sites. At Sabaig four pieces were found distributed between 40 cm and 60 cm in depth and at Bolipi 15 pieces were recovered between 90 cm and 160 cm. Preliminary examination suggests at least three different types are present, resembling types previously described for Yap, the Marianas and Palau; but this can only be verified by more thorough comparison and analysis which is now in progress. The Bolipi site also yielded a human burial between 180 cm and 200 cm. The specimen was extended and was found with grave goods of two shell bracelets, a shell necklace, and an extraordinarily large tridacna shell adze blade (approximately 27.8 cm long by 7.6 cm wide) which was probably of ceremonial importance. This blade was found placed beneath the skull of the burial.
the statements of informants. Numerous shell adze blades, of at least four different types, shell bracelets, necklaces, shell receptacles, and other items were recovered. Of particular importance was the discovery of potsherds at both sites. At Sabaig four pieces were found distributed between 40 cm and 60 cm in depth and at Bolipi 15 pieces were recovered between 90 cm and 160 cm. Preliminary examination suggests at least three different types are present, resembling types previously described for Yap, the Marianas and Palau; but this can only be verified by more thorough comparison and analysis which is now in progress. The Bolipi site also yielded a human burial between 180 cm and 200 cm. The specimen was extended and was found with grave goods of two shell bracelets, a shell necklace, and an extraordinarily large tridacna shell adze blade (approximately 27.8 cm long by 7.6 cm wide) which was probably of ceremonial importance. This blade was found placed beneath the skull of the burial.With the help of Richard Shutler at the University of Iowa, specimens of turtle bones, that were found in the same level as the lowest pottery specimens, have been submitted for radiocarbon dating to the Rikagaku Kenkyusho, Japan. Shutler is also helping with the identification and analysis of the potsherds. We hope to have the results of these analyses in the near future and will provide a full site report at that time.
The presence of pottery in the Lamotrek sites suggests that pottery may similarly be found in future work on many of the atolls of the Carolines, possibly in continuous distribution from Yap to Truk and beyond. None of the pottery could have been locally manufactured on the coral atolls and, when dates have been attached to the sherds, we may have evidence that will suggest the age of inter-island trading voyages and possibly of the well known sawei exchange system that linked Yap and the atolls from Ulithi to Namonuito. These sherds may also help to clarify whether or not trade between the Marianas and the central Caroline atolls predated European contact, as has been suggested by some of the traditional histories gathered in the area.
(Editor's note: On a closely related matter, see correspondence in the June 1977 issue of the Journal.)
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