The Archeology of Songsong Village, Rota, Northern Mariana Islands

Summary

Beneath the surface in Songsong village, on the island of Rota, in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, archeological deposits hold artifacts, features, and other ancient remains that record the long

occupation of the village. Three areas were excavated during the Songsong archeological project in the summer of 1987 each with deposits relating to three different prehistoric time periods. The archeological

remains found in four of the five excavation blocks recovered prehistoric pottery, stone and shell tools, and animal bones associated with a wide range of domestic activities. Historic period artifacts also were

recovered, mainly in a 20th century trash midden. Additionally, human burials were found in Area 3. Information about the chronology of the Songsong remains comes mainly from the association of prehistoric pottery with additional information provided by radiocarbon dates from Area 3. Radiocarbon dates included 250 B.P. +1-80(Beta-28343), 110 +1-70(Beta-28344), 100 +1-160(Beta-28345), 530 +1-90 (Beta-28346), 750 +1-90(Beta-28347) and 190 +1-60(Beta-28348). The excavations recovered ample signs of intensive settlement and activity spread throughout Songsong village. The archeological resources of the island and the village have significance for the entire Commonwealth, not to mention their potential importance for the fuller understanding of Micronesian prehistory.

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Radiocarbon Date: 750 to 100

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contributor(s): Francis McManamon; Douglas Hanson; Michele Horwood; Foss Leach; Rick McGovern-Wilson; Darlene Moore; Michael Pietrusewdky; Ian Smith; Julie Stein; Christy Turner

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