Story: Pacific migrations

Sites of Lapita pottery

Sites of Lapita pottery

The Lapita culture evolved around 1500 BCE in Near Oceania, and then spread rapidly east into Remote Oceania. Their characteristic pottery, together with evidence from radiocarbon dating, has enabled anthropologists to accurately trace their migration as far east as Samoa.

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How to cite this page:

Geoff Irwin, 'Pacific migrations - Into Remote Oceania: Lapita people', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/1767/sites-of-lapita-pottery (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Geoff Irwin, published 8 Feb 2005, reviewed & revised 8 Feb 2017