Journal
ANTIQUITY
Volume 80, Issue 309, Pages 523-529Publisher
ANTIQUITY
DOI: 10.1017/S0003598X0009400X
Keywords
Melanesia; New Caledonia; Lapita culture; cave art; hand stencils; AMS dating
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Rock art in an inland cave on the island of Lifou, New Caledonia, has been radiocarbon dated. A cluster of early paintings date to 2500 years ago, soon after the arrival of the first settlers, who must have quickly gone inland probably in pursuit of fresh water, available near the cave. They left their mark on the cave in the form of numerous hand stencils. During the first millennium AD, later generations of artists used the same cave, drawing birds and a circular sign for water still recognised by the present community.
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