The Manufacture of Rochia nilotica rings

The chaîne opératoire Identified for Lapita Sites in Vanuatu

Datos Bibliográficos

ID6038478
AutoresM C Langley (0000-0002-0299-5561, Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution Griffith University Nathan Australia), Iarawai Phillips, Iarawai Phillip (Vanuatu Cultural Centre Port Vila Vanuatu), Bedford (0000-0001-6476-5617, Vanuatu Cultural Centre Port Vila Vanuatu), Stuart Bedford
Año2025
Volumen60
Número3
Páginas201-219
Fecha de publicación2025-09-10
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaArchaeology in Oceania/Archæology & physical anthropology in Oceania (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0728-4896 • E-ISSN: 1834-4453
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/arco.70009
OpenAlexW4414100020
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas31

Rings made on marine shell are a conspicuous artefact form found throughout cultural sequences for much of the Pacific over millennia. Despite their importance in both recent and ancient times, in‐depth consideration of the manufacturing processes involved in shell ring production are limited. In this paper, we present for the first time, a detailed chaîne opératoire for Lapita period rings made from the nacreous shell, Rochia nilotica. Our examination of two large archaeological assemblages from Lapita period sites in Vanuatu and accompanying experimental replication of Rochia shell ring production provides key insights into what was an important social technology for Lapita and other communities across the Pacific. In broader context, previous research has highlighted the importance of understanding the selection, manufacture, and use of shell artefacts for elucidating a range of technological, economic, and social practices in both Oceania and beyond, and as such, this study works toward building a more robust appreciation of shell ornamentation globally

Australian Indigenous Culture and History · Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies · Plant Diversity and Evolution