Small Chinese Settlements in the southwest Pacific: a brief look at Chinese Bakeries and Households in the Southwest Pacific 1890-1930

Summary

In addition to the spread of Chinese populations around the Pacific Rim in the nineteenth century, Chinese manufactured goods also were sold throughout the South Pacific. Fijian’s, Tongans, and Maoris purchased Chinese Ceramics and iron implements. The Chinese immigrants who lived on islands in the region also provided needed services. Bakeries and grocery stores and retail stores ran by Chinese owners carried goods manufactured in China. The end result was an archaeological signature that reflects an adjustment to a new environment coupled with a mix of items imported from Asia.  This paper provides a brief overview of the material remains left by Chinese entrepreneurs and settlers in small Fijian villages.  The focus will be on the period from 1890 to 1930 and will provide an analysis of the spread of Chinese manufactured goods in the south west Pacific.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2013   •
• Household Objects: Approaches to Material Culture Analysis

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 110