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RE-DATING MID-HOLOCENE BETELNUT (ARECA CATECHU L.) AND OTHER PLANT USE AT DONGAN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Abstract
Direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of anaerobically preserved plant remains from the Dongan
site in New Guinea, combined with assessment of preservation condition, confirms earlier doubts about the antiquity of betelnut
(Areca catechu L.) found at the site. A possible sago leaf fragment is also identified as a modern contaminant. The mid-
Holocene age of other fruit and nut remains is verified using these methods. The utility of AMS dating in combination with
detailed archaeobotanical assessment is demonstrated, thus improving chronometric hygiene and with it knowledge of past
plant use in Oceania.
site in New Guinea, combined with assessment of preservation condition, confirms earlier doubts about the antiquity of betelnut
(Areca catechu L.) found at the site. A possible sago leaf fragment is also identified as a modern contaminant. The mid-
Holocene age of other fruit and nut remains is verified using these methods. The utility of AMS dating in combination with
detailed archaeobotanical assessment is demonstrated, thus improving chronometric hygiene and with it knowledge of past
plant use in Oceania.