The Pacific Archaeology Radiocarbon Database

Abstract

This paper describes the Pacific Archaeology Radiocarbon Database (PARD), which includes radiocarbon data from archaeological sites excavated in an area commonly described as Near and Remote Oceania. The collated 14C database is available using ArcGIS Online, an online geospatial system with searchable fields and locational navigation. The online PARD currently has over 17,000 radiocarbon measurements from archaeological sites from over 300 islands in the Pacific. The database contains many inconsistencies reflecting the long history of radiocarbon dating in the Pacific and issues relating to date calculation, precision, contamination removal, in-built age, and contextual uncertainty. While ‘chronometric hygiene’ protocols have demonstrated the reasons for treating such radiocarbon ages with caution, the presence of these data can still provide important information. The location of early excavations, distribution of site types at certain broad time periods, and other such information are useful in providing frameworks for future research. The PARD is a valuable starting point for researchers and communities in the Pacific. It has the potential to assist researchers in coordinating site location data for excavations and promises to aid a more extensive investigation of key research themes. The accessibility of the data online allows stakeholders, particularly indigenous groups across the Pacific, to improve their access to and understanding of the value of archaeological research.

Cet article décrit la base de données radiocarbone archéologique du Pacifique (PARD), qui comprend des données radiocarbone provenant de sites archéologiques fouillés en Océanie proche et lointaine. La base de données 14C compilée est accessible via ArcGIS Online. La PARD en ligne contient actuellement plus de 17,000 mesures radiocarbone provenant de sites archéologiques de centaines d'îles du Pacifique La localisation de fouilles la répartition par types de site, grande période et autres fournissent un cadre utile pour de futures recherches. Les données de localisation de sites clés pourraient permettre de réalisation d’études plus approfondies.