| Abstract: |
When exponents of diffusionist theories postulated ideas concerning cultural influences linking the Melanesian archipelago with Southeast Asia, this hypothetical approach had no other basis than systematic comparisons of various striking similarities between distinct archaeological artifacts and their geographical distribution patterns in the two regions. Their assumptions were mainly based on the occurrence of the so-called quadrangular axe type, megalithic structures, sculpted stone items and corresponding features of anthropological relevance. These ideas were backed up by the discovery of the prehistoric Wahgi civilization of interior Papua-New Guinea, and by further archaeological and related anthropological investigations carried out there since the early seventies. These and the amount of more recent archaeological data are increasingly providing additional evidence for theoretical concepts first developed by Heine-Geldern and Riesenfeld, prominent members of the Vienna School of the last century, evoking new insights and debates on this topic.
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