What conclusion did anthropologists make after discovering Lapita artifacts made of obsidian on several different Polynesian islands?
Well, those anthropologists must have had a Eureka moment! They probably concluded that the ancient Polynesians were big fans of shiny, sharp things. Either that, or they were really into DIY projects and just couldn't resist the allure of obsidian. It's like the ancient Polynesian version of "Ikea hacking," but with a whole lot more danger involved.
The discovery of Lapita artifacts made of obsidian on several different Polynesian islands led anthropologists to conclude that the Lapita people had extensive trade networks and engaged in long-distance voyaging. They believed that the presence of obsidian, a volcanic glass not native to the Polynesian islands, indicated that the Lapita people had traveled to volcanic regions to obtain obsidian and then transported it back to their communities. This suggested that the Lapita people were skilled navigators and seafarers, capable of traversing long distances across the Pacific Ocean.
To answer your question about the conclusion made by anthropologists after discovering Lapita artifacts made of obsidian on several different Polynesian islands, we need to consider the background information and the process of anthropological analysis.
Lapita is the name given to an ancient Pacific Ocean culture that existed between 1600 and 500 BCE. This culture is known for its distinctive pottery and is believed to be the ancestors of the Polynesians. Obsidian, a natural volcanic glass, was an important material used by the Lapita people to make tools, weapons, and ornaments.
When anthropologists discovered Lapita artifacts made of obsidian on several different Polynesian islands, they drew several conclusions through a research process. Here's how they arrived at those conclusions:
1. Background knowledge: Anthropologists had prior knowledge about the Lapita culture and their use of obsidian. They were aware that Lapita artifacts were found in the Bismarck Archipelago, suggesting that the Lapita people had migrated across the Pacific.
2. Artifact analysis: Researchers studied the obsidian artifacts found on the Polynesian islands. They analyzed the chemical composition of the obsidian using techniques like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These methods allow them to identify the elemental composition of the obsidian, which can be used to trace the source of the material.
3. Comparisons: Anthropologists compared the elemental composition of the obsidian artifacts found on the Polynesian islands with known obsidian sources in the Bismarck Archipelago and other regions. If the elemental composition of the artifacts matched a specific source, it would indicate that the obsidian had been sourced from that location.
4. Migration patterns: By determining the source of the obsidian used in the Polynesian Lapita artifacts, anthropologists could identify potential migration patterns. If the obsidian sources were geographically distant from the Polynesian islands, it would suggest long-distance travel and connectivity between different regions.
Based on this research process, anthropologists concluded that the discovery of Lapita artifacts made of obsidian on several different Polynesian islands indicated that the Lapita people had migrated and established settlements across the Pacific. The presence of these artifacts in different locations demonstrated the extensive maritime voyages undertaken by the Lapita people as they explored and colonized various Pacific islands.