| Abstract: |
Introduction: While the body of archaeological knowledge of Micronesia has been expanded considerably over the last several years (Cordy 1980), little is as yet known of the early chronology, settlement patterns, and dynamics of culture change in the southern Mariana Islands (Fig. 1). Inspired by the modern pioneer works of Reinman (1977), Ray (1981), and Takayama and his associates (1971, 1976) which were built upon the still earlier efforts of Spoehr (1957), a full-scale archaeological excavation was initiated in northern Guam by a team of researchers from the University of Guam in the spring of 1980. The project at Tarague aims to ascertain: first, the prehistoric origins of human habitiation on Guam from the perspective of cultural history
second, the cultural and natural processes influencing culture change as seen in archaeological remains
and third, the use of space within the context of island ecology. This article summarizes the preliminary findings made at Tarague during the 1980-1981 field seasons.
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