Fiji's Ancient Seafarers Dr. Patrick D. Nunn - Earthwatch Institute

2009
Earthwatch.
2009 EXPEDITION BRIEFING AND FORMS
Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers
Dr. Patrick D. Nunn
University of the South Pacific

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The University of the South Pacific
School of Geography
Suva, Fiji Islands
Dear Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers Volunteers,
I am delighted to welcome you to my research project! It is an important project in many ways, not least because
it is helping fill a huge void in the understanding of early Pacific Island history among the people who live here
today. I have been living and researching in the Pacific Islands for more than 23 years now, and continue to be
shocked at what people understand about their early history. Myths and legends and impossible scenarios
abound, something that is encouraged by many tourism operators and is even included in school curricula. I have
come around to the view that the self-esteem of the Pacific Islands people will be greatly improved if they can
become aware of their true history, something that is a source of real pride.
This project is different from many similar projects in that one of its principal goals is raising awareness within
Fiji and other Pacific Island countries. The University of the South Pacific, where I work, is an international
university that serves 12 island nations. I engage my university students from many of these countries to work
with me on projects like this one in the expectation that they will learn from these experiences and take this
learning back to their home communities. You will be working alongside educated Pacific Islander students who
will be able to explain the imperatives surrounding this research and will also be able to act as conduits between
you and the people of Vusama Village where we stay.
Vusama is a traditional Fijian village, and the people living there possess all the traditional values that make the
Pacific Islands such a special part of the world. You can be sure that the friendly Vusama people will do anything
they can to make you feel comfortable and welcome, but there are certain restrictions to which all of us need to
adhere. For example, while you will have the opportunity to enjoy the very traditional local (non-alcoholic) drink
kava (yaqona), please understand that alcohol is strictly forbidden on this trip for cultural reasons. I have built up a
great deal of mutual trust and understanding with the people of Vusama over the years that is predicated on their
social mores being respected by my research team members, wherever they may come from.
I am sure you will also enjoy the company of my two deputies, Roselyn Kumar and Sepeti Matararaba. Both
Roselyn (“Rosie”) and Sepeti (“Mata”) have worked with me on numerous occasions in the past. Roselyn is a
human dynamo, full of ideas and enthusiasm, warm, kind and understanding. Sepeti works harder than people
one-third of his age, is inspirational and knowledgeable, and has a mischievous sense of humor.
So if you are flexible, keen to work hard, and up for an authentic cultural immersion in a little-known culture, this
project is for you.
Yours sincerely,
Patrick D. Nunn
Professor of Oceanic Geoscience
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Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers
Table of Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION...................................................................................................................................................1
VOLUNTEER FORMS.............................................................................................................................................................2
THE EXPEDITION...................................................................................................................................................................4
1. PROJECT OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................4
2. RESEARCH AREA.................................................................................................................................................................4
3. PROJECT STAFF ...................................................................................................................................................................6
DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD ..................................................................................................................................................8
4. VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENTS ........................................................................................................................8
5. TEAM ITINERARY ................................................................................................................................................................9
6. DAILY SCHEDULE AND TASKS...........................................................................................................................................10
7. ACCOMMODATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................................10
8. FOOD.................................................................................................................................................................................11
TRAVEL PLANNING ............................................................................................................................................................13
9. BEFORE YOU LEAVE ........................................................................................................................................................13
10. PROJECT CONDITIONS .....................................................................................................................................................16
11. HEALTH INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................................18
12. PACKING CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................................................19
13. RECOMMENDED READING...............................................................................................................................................20
15. EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD............................................................................................................................................21
17. HELPFUL RESOURCES......................................................................................................................................................21
APPENDIX...............................................................................................................................................................................23
EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST..............................................................................................................................29
iii

GENERAL INFORMATION
PROJECT TITLE:
Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:
Dr. Patrick D. Nunn, Professor of Oceanic Geoscience, School of
Geography, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
RESEARCH SITE:
Rove Peninsula, Southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji
EXPEDITION LENGTH:
15 days
TEAM SIZE MINIMUM/MAXIMUM:
8/20 volunteers
MINIMUM AGE OF PARTICIPATION:
18 years of age
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VOLUNTEER FORMS
All Earthwatch expedition participants are required to read and complete a number of volunteer forms. Some of
these forms are used to ensure your safety in the field, to inform Earthwatch and project staff of your current
health and fitness as they pertain to your expedition, to notify Earthwatch and project staff of your travel plans,
etc. These forms must be filled out and returned to Earthwatch AFTER you sign up for an expedition. Other
forms are for your reference and will inform you of certain Earthwatch policies and resources. You do not need to
return these forms. See below for details.
Volunteer forms are available at http://www.earthwatch.org/volforms. Instructions for completing your forms
are included on this web page. However, you may not need to complete all of the forms listed online. Please see
below for a list of the specific forms required for this expedition.
Note: It is very important that you read and understand both your Expedition Briefing and the volunteer forms
listed below.
Volunteers Forms to be Returned to Earthwatch
Please complete and return the following forms to your Earthwatch Expedition Coordinator:
• A: Personal History
• B: Health Form
• C: Travel Details Form
• D: Liability Release
How to return your forms: Forms B and D require written signatures and must therefore be printed out and
signed. All other forms may be filled out electronically. You may return your forms to your Earthwatch
Expedition Coordinator by mail, fax (+1 978-461-2332), or email (forms requiring signatures may be scanned and
emailed). If you mail hard copies of your forms to Earthwatch, please do not staple them together and be sure to
keep a copy of each form for your records. Please see the welcome letter at the start of this briefing for your
Expedition Coordinator’s name and contact information.
Deadline for form submission: Your volunteer forms must be completed and returned to Earthwatch no later
than 60 days prior to your expedition.
If you sign up within 60 days of your expedition: If signing up to participate within 60 days of an expedition’s
start date, please complete each form to the best of your ability and send them to Earthwatch immediately. Please
note the date of your doctor’s appointment on Form B: Health Form. You will need to resend Form B: Health
Form after having it completed and signed by your doctor.
Other Forms for Your Reference
The forms listed below are for your reference only and do not need to be returned to Earthwatch. However, it is
very important that you read and understand these forms, which are included in the Appendix of your printed
Expedition Briefing.
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Financial Terms and Conditions
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The additional forms below are also for your reference and benefit and are available online at
http://www.earthwatch.org/volforms.
• Tax Deduction (Earthwatch expeditions, with the exception of Family Teams, are tax-deductible for US
residents only)
• Medical and Evacuation Insurance FAQs and Upgraded Coverage Application (these forms include
important information on both the insurance included in your expedition contribution and upgraded
coverage available to Earthwatch participants) *
* In addition to the medical and emergency evacuation insurance included in your expedition contribution,
Earthwatch also recommends that participants purchase travel insurance. Optional travel insurance is available
through CSA Travel Protection. See http://www.csatravelprotection.com/?aff=83534816 and
www.earthwatch.org/getinvolved/supportus/shoponline/travelins for more information.
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THE EXPEDITION
1. PROJECT OVERVIEW
The early history of the Fiji Islands is poorly known, with most people believing legends that have no basis in
fact. Since 1994, Principal Investigator Patrick Nunn has been working with the Fiji Museum to locate and
excavate the earliest (Lapita-era) human settlements in the Fiji Islands in order to increase and disseminate
knowledge about this important subject. In December 2003, several very early sites (dating from 1100 BC) were
discovered on the Rove Peninsula in southwest Viti Levu Island. The earliest site at Bourewa Beach has been
excavated on six occasions and the research team has recovered about 2,700 pieces of intricately-decorated Lapita
pottery, some extraordinary pieces of shell jewelry, 26 human skeletons, and a piece of obsidian from Papua New
Guinea (2,610 miles away), in addition to large quantities of stone tools and edible shell debris – all dating from
1100-550 BC. With support from Earthwatch Institute, the 2009 Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers expeditions will focus on
targeted excavation, survey and analysis at Bourewa and nearby early-period sites on and near the Rove
Peninsula.
Earthwatch volunteers will be part of a 20-25-person research team undertaking a variety of tasks including
excavation, field reconnaissance, Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys, cave sediment excavation and
preliminary sample analysis. Large areas in the center of the ancient settlement site at Bourewa will be excavated,
and volunteers are likely to make significant discoveries while digging or sieving. The team will be
accommodated in the traditional Vusama Village, famed for its breezy location and its seafood.
Note: See Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers: The Research in the appendix of this briefing for information on the research
objectives, methods, and results of this project.
2. RESEARCH AREA
Physical Environment
The Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers project is based on the Rove Peninsula, which extends off the southwest coast of Viti
Levu Island, approximately an hour’s drive southwest of Nadi. Hardly developed, this scenic area probably looks
much as it did 3,100 years ago when the first people in Fiji arrived there. The southern and eastern sides of the
peninsula are made up of white sand beaches and one of the broadest fringing coral reefs in Fiji. As you travel
across the upraised spine of the peninsula, you will take in the breathtaking view of the golden-brown land
outlined by turquoise reef, with the dark blue of the deep Pacific Ocean beyond. The western side of the
peninsula is fringed by a large and impenetrable mangrove forest that has formed at the mouth of the Tuva River.
The people of the area get much of their seafood from these mangroves, in particular mangrove lobsters and other
shellfish. The open coasts are also very productive, with Vusama people specializing in the collection of sea
grapes, shellfish, octopus and many varieties of fish.
In general the Rove Peninsula is dry and covered with grassland, and there is little forest except in the valley
bottoms. Sugar cane is planted in some areas, while subsistence crops are grown closer to settlements. The area is
quite breezy, which keeps Vusama a bit cooler than other villages and helps reduce the number of mosquitoes.
The terrain is crisscrossed by trails and it is easy to find your way around. There are occasional sinkholes in the
limestone that should be avoided, together with a number of caves in which some survey work has already been
carried out.
4

Cultural Environment
Most of the Rove Peninsula is freehold land, and some is owned by the handful of Indo-Fijian farmers who work
parts of it. The area around Vusama Village is native land (as is 85% of all land in Fiji), owned by the resident
Fijian families of Vusama who also claim traditional title to the entire peninsula. The Indo-Fijians and the Fijians
in this area get along very well, and the research team always makes sure to acknowledge both the legal and the
traditional claims to areas where research is being conducted.
In general, the people of Fiji are polite, helpful, conservative and religious. Everyone in the area speaks English to
some extent, but many villagers are shy about their English speaking skills and are more comfortable speaking
with an individual rather than a group. The research team includes many English speakers who also speak Fijian
and Fiji Hindi fluently, so communication will not present a problem. All children learn English at school and
typically lack the adults’ inhibition in speaking it.
There are a number of village customs and protocols that should be observed, but at the same time the Fijian
people are generally tolerant and understand that foreigners are not always familiar with these; lapses are
tolerated good-naturedly as long as visitors show a willingness to learn and respect the local customs.
Please be aware that gender interactions in rural Fiji are different compared to those in most Western countries. In
particular, males and females have separate and well-defined roles and do not generally mix in social settings.
Volunteers will not be expected to adopt these behaviors, but should be aware that certain interactions may be
misinterpreted. Additionally, talking loudly, swearing, and standing up straight when people are sitting are all
frowned upon. While in the village (not at the research site), it is important that team members cover their legs
and shoulders, especially females. Hats should not be worn in villages, nor should anything be carried on the
shoulder when it could be carried nearer the ground.
The village also has specific protocols regarding houses. For example, there are commonly three doors and only
one of these should be used, at least at first. While there will often be sofas and soft chairs, most people sit on
mats on the floor. You should be able to sit comfortably on the floor for extended periods of time while
socializing and during meal times, either with your legs crossed or tucked behind you. You may wish to bring a
soft cushion to sit on. Even if your hosts insist that you use a chair, please follow their lead and sit on the floor in
order to avoid mistakenly setting up a social hierarchy. Shoes are never worn inside houses and must be left by
the door.
Sundays are rest days, and volunteers are advised to bring one nicer set of clothing in order to attend morning
church. You are encouraged but not required to attend church services, which serve as community get-togethers
in rural Fiji.
Please note that alcohol cannot be consumed anywhere on the Rove Peninsula, and you should be prepared to
go 15 days without it. Any members of the research team (Earthwatch volunteers or others) found consuming
alcohol during the expedition will be dismissed at once. However, you will be encouraged to drink kava (or
yaqona), the traditional beverage of Fiji. Kava is made from the pounded roots of a locally grown pepper plant. It
is non-alcoholic, but is a mild soporific and relaxant that is gaining popularity worldwide as a natural stress
reducer. You might experience a slightly numb or tingling tongue from drinking kava, which is also referred to as
“grog” by some locals. There are no restrictions on smoking tobacco, though smokers should be prepared to share
their cigarettes!
5

3. PROJECT STAFF
Principal Investigator
Patrick D. Nunn has been a Professor of Oceanic Geoscience at the University of the South Pacific (USP) for more
than 12 years. He has also taught at universities in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
He has been carrying out research into the geology, geography and archaeology of the Pacific Islands region for
more than 20 years and is the author of more than 180 professional papers and book chapters, and several books
including Oceanic Islands (1994, Blackwell), Environmental Change in the Pacific Basin (1999, Wiley), Climate,
Environment and Society in the Pacific during the Last Millennium (2007, Elsevier), and most recently the popular
Vanished Islands and Hidden Continents of the Pacific (August 2008, University of Hawaii Press). In March 2003,
Nunn was awarded the Gregory Medal of the Pacific Science Association for “outstanding service to science in
the Pacific.” He speaks the Fijian language fluently and is well versed in traditional Fijian customs. He has
directed all six phases of geoarchaeological research on the Rove Peninsula.
Field Team Leaders / Deputy Principal Investigators
Roselyn Kumar is a Doctoral Research Fellow in the Pacific Institute for Advanced Studies at USP. She has a B.A.
degree in Geography and Earth Sciences and an M.Sc. in Earth Sciences, focused on the mineralogy of ancient
pottery in Fiji and how this can be used to determine areas of pottery manufacture, and thereby trace ancient
migration routes. She has written or co-written 21 professional papers. Kumar is Fijian-Indian by ethnicity and
speaks Fiji Hindi and English fluently. She has worked on 11 geoarchaeological research projects to date,
including all six phases of fieldwork on the Rove Peninsula.
Sepeti Matararaba is Principal Archaeologist at the Fiji Museum and has more than 30 years of field experience in
archaeological research and the collection of oral traditions in Fiji. He has co-authored more than 45 professional
articles and appears regularly on Fiji television and radio discussing Fiji prehistory. He is Fijian by ethnicity and
speaks fluent Fijian and English. He has worked on all six phases of fieldwork on the Rove Peninsula.
Associate Researchers
The researchers listed below will assist with the project in a variety of ways. Their research
specialties/responsibilities are included in parentheses. In addition to these researchers, there will be 6-10
undergraduate and/or graduate students from USP.
• Valerie Campbell, M.Sc., Adjunct Researcher, USP (stone-tool analysis)
• Michael Carson, Ph.D., International Archaeological Research Institute, Honolulu (GIS mapping and
archaeology)
• Gennady Gienko, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in Geographical Information Systems, USP (GPS survey)
• Tomo Ishimura, Ph.D., Researcher, Nara Institute for Cultural Properties, Japan (pottery analysis, excavation)
• Ledua Kuilanisautabu, B.A., Graduate Research Assistant, USP (shell analysis)
• Kirti Lal, B.Sc., Graduate Research Assistant, USP (sediments and paleogeography)
• Fred Pearl, Ph.D., Professor of Archaeology, Texas A&M University, Galveston (archaeology and ceramics)
• Kalivati Qolicokota, B.A., Graduate Research Assistant, USP (Fiji history and language)
• Arishma Ram, B.Sc, Graduate Research Assistant, USP (shell analysis)
• Johnson Seeto, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in Marine Studies, USP (shell and marine bone analysis)
• Lisa-Marie Shillito, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Reading, UK (soil and phytolith analysis)
• Shalni Sanjana (Poonam), B.A., Graduate Research Assistant, USP (shell analysis)
• Mark Stephens, Ph.D., Lecturer in Physical Geography, USP (sediments and geoarchaeology)
• Katherine Szabó, Ph.D., Research Fellow, Australian National University (shell ornament analysis)
• Tammy Tabe, B.A., Graduate Research Assistant, USP (marine archaeology)
• Frank Thomas, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in Pacific Studies, USP (shell analysis)
• Marianne Turner, Ph.D., Lecturer in Archaeology, University of Auckland (stone tool analysis)
• Amele Vosamosi, B.A., Graduate Research Assistant, USP (geoarchaeology)
6

Other Possible Visiting Scientists
• Ian Campbell, Professor of History, USP (leading Pacific historian and author of Worlds Apart: a history of the
Pacific Islands)
• Paul Geraghty, Professor of Linguistics, USP (leading Pacific Islands linguist and author of the Lonely Planet
Guide to the Fijian Language)
• Peter Rodda, Principal Geologist (retired), Fiji Mineral Resources Department (leading geologist in Fiji)
• Glenn Summerhayes, Professor of Archaeology, University of Otago, New Zealand (leading Pacific Island
archaeologist and author of Lapita Interaction)
Current Staffing Schedule (Subject to Change)
Staff Member Team I Team II Team III
Nunn x x x
Kumar x x x
Matararaba x x x
Campbell
x
Carson
x
Gienko x x
Ishimura x x x
Kuilanisautabu x x x
Lal x x x
Pearl x x x
Qolicokota x x x
Seeto
x
Shillito x x
Stephens x x x
Szabó
Tabe
Thomas
Turner
x
Vosamosi x x x
7

DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD
4. VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENTS
On Day 1, the Principal Investigator or one of the Field Team Leaders will meet volunteers and introduce them to
the key aspects of the fieldwork. This will enable team members to get to know one another and there will be
ample opportunity to ask questions at this time. The introduction to the rest of the team and to the people of
Vusama Village will be in a relaxed setting and will be accompanied by a welcome ceremony from the
community.
Each evening the team will meet after dinner in the Vusama Community Hall to review the day’s activities, set
the next day’s tasks, and discuss the project’s progress. This will be a good opportunity to ask questions and
discuss what is happening. Visiting scientists will also be invited to address the group at the evening meetings in
Vusama. These evenings will provide a chance for volunteers to be with the rest of the team while learning more
about the cultural environment and the goals of the project.
Assignments
Volunteer assignments will vary daily depending on the needs of the project, though excavation and
reconnaissance will be the principal tasks throughout the 2009 research season. Volunteers will initially be paired
with a Pacific Island team member who will stay close by for the first day or two in Vusama. In-field analysis will
be conducted throughout the season, though Team I will participate less in this particular task as there will not
yet be much to analyze.
Excavation
A team of 3-5 people will excavate a pit in one of the targeted areas. Team members will take turns digging,
sieving and packaging sampled materials. Training will be provided for laying out and maintaining a squareshaped
pit, sampling by 10-centimeter spit, excavating any large objects of interest that may be encountered,
sieving and recognizing items of interest, and systematically packing found materials. Most volunteers should
expect to spend at least 60% of the time in the field working as part of an excavation team. No previous
experience is required.
Reconnaissance
A team of 3-5 people will collect samples from the ground surface in unexplored areas. Volunteers will initially be
paired with an experienced team member. In-field training will be provided in recognizing pottery shards and
perhaps stone tools and other artifacts on the ground, and also in recognizing particular types of decoration on
pottery shards. You will likely spend at least 10% of your time in the field undertaking this type of
reconnaissance. No previous experience is required.
Preliminary In-Field Analysis in Vusama Village
In-field training will be provided on how to wash and dry samples, distinguish different types of decorated
pottery and pot rims, and recognize and measure particular shell pieces and stone tools. Selected volunteers from
Team I can expect to spend no more than 10% of their time on this task (there will not be enough material to work
with at this early stage). Most volunteers on Teams II and III can expect to spend at least 15-25% of their time on
this task. Previous experience is not essential, although volunteers with artistic skills would be able to sketch
artifacts and decorated potsherds.
8

GPS / GIS Survey
Surveys using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Information System (GIS) technology involve
working as part of a specialist survey team. In-field training will be provided as necessary, but not all volunteers
will be assigned to this task.
Cave Sediment Excavation
In-field training will be provided to volunteers on how to collect core samples and excavate a nearby cave. Not all
volunteers will be assigned to this task. No previous experience is needed.
Cultural Training and Advice
As part of the research team, you should expect to be involved in ceremonies in Vusama Village, particularly at
the start and end of the expedition. This will involve the ritual presentation of isevusevu (a welcome gift presented
to the village chief, usually a bundle of kava root) by a research team member, and the reciprocation by the
Vusama people with a bowl of kava. Volunteers are highly encouraged to drink at least the first bowl of kava as
an acceptance to being welcomed into the village. Team members will guide volunteers through this ritual. A
similar presentation will be made at the end of the team’s stay. The Indo-Fijian families who live close to the
research sites may also expect to meet volunteers when they arrive in the field for the first time, and will perhaps
serve a cup of sweet spicy tea. This should also be accepted.
Please understand and appreciate that nothing happens quickly in rural Fiji, and impatience is considered rude.
Remember that you will be on “Fiji time.” Team members from the Pacific Islands will guide volunteers in this
regard, but sometimes the day-to-day achievement of particular goals is made impossible by the need to simply
sit down and chat with local people. The success of the project is directly linked to a healthy, positive relationship
between the researchers and the local people, and Earthwatch volunteers are expected to act as valuable
ambassadors in strengthening this relationship.
Please see Section 2 ‘Research Area’ for more information on Fijian customs and protocols.
5. TEAM ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sunday)
You should plan to arrive in Fiji at least one day prior to the first day of the expedition in order to rest and
adjust to the local time. The Principal Investigator and/or Field Team Leaders will meet you at 10:00 am on Day
1. After introductions and the purchase of any last-minute supplies, a hired bus will take the team to Vusama
Village for the welcoming ceremony and lunch. The team will spend the afternoon settling in and possibly
playing volleyball, swimming in the ocean, etc. A briefing session on the project will be held in the evening.
Days 2-7 (Monday-Saturday)
The team will conduct fieldwork at sites throughout the Rove Peninsula from approximately 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
The team will take an hour-long lunch break at mid-day to eat packed lunches in the field. After dinner on most
evenings the team will participate in a discussion. On Saturday evening the team will relax and socialize in the
village.
Day 8 (Sunday)
The entire village attends church from 10:30 am until 11:45 am each Sunday. Volunteers are not required to attend
but most will want to join this community event. After a large lunch, the team will visit Natadola Beach (rated the
10 th most beautiful beach in the world) or another lovely beach, with optional volleyball and ocean swimming
available. The evening will include a project briefing.
9

Days 9-14 (Monday-Saturday)
These days will be similar to Days 2-7. On Saturday there will be a farewell party (with traditional dancing) for
volunteers.
Day 15 (Sunday)
Volunteers will travel by bus from Vusama to the Hotel Mercure or airport in Nadi, arriving at about 9:30 am.
Those wishing to extend their stay in Fiji must make their own arrangements.
6. DAILY SCHEDULE AND TASKS
Please be aware that schedules can and do fluctuate due to weather, research needs, etc. Your cooperation and
understanding are appreciated. Below is a typical schedule.
6:30 am: Wake up, wash and dress
7:15 am: Communal breakfast in Vusama Community Hall
7:45 am: Prepare for fieldwork and gather supplies for the day
8:00 am: Leave Vusama to walk/drive to the field site (typical journey is about 10 minutes and volunteers
will be expected to help carry equipment and set it up)
8:30 am: Begin fieldwork
12:30 pm: Lunch and rest
1:30 pm: Resume fieldwork
5:00 pm: Finish fieldwork and leave for Vusama (volunteers will be expected to help carry, store and clean
equipment)
5:15 pm: Afternoon tea and cakes in Vusama Community Hall
5:50 pm: Return to rooms in Vusama, wash and relax
7:30 pm: Communal dinner in Vusama Community Hall
8:30 pm: Team discussion and briefing in Vusama Community Hall
10:00 pm: Sleep
7. ACCOMMODATIONS
During the expedition you will stay in Vusama Village, most likely in the home of a village family. Generally, two
volunteers of the same gender will share a bedroom with two beds with thin foam mattresses, stiff foam pillows,
sheets, blankets, mosquito nets and space on the floor for your luggage. Married couples can request a single
room at no extra charge, but this cannot be guaranteed. Private rooms for individuals may beavailable. If
necessary, some younger male volunteers may sleep on mattresses (provided) in the Vusama Community Hall,
sharing the hall with up to five other male members of the research team. There are no extra or reduced costs for
particular types of accommodation.
Due to the conservative climate in the village, it will not be possible for homosexual couples or couples who are
unmarried to be housed together. Please understand that this does not reflect the views of Earthwatch Institute or
of the Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers project staff. Volunteers are asked to respect the cultural beliefs and customs of the
villagers.
You will be briefed on Fijian traditions and expected behavior in the village homes. While you will have free use
of the family room(s) in the house, please be advised of the Fijian tradition of sitting on the floor. Furniture is
often in Fijian homes but Earthwatch participants will generally be expected to not sit on the chairs or sofas, even
if asked, because doing so would imply that one is superior to those sitting on the floor. Families would
10

appreciate volunteers offering to help with household chores. If you accept an offer to have your laundry done,
be prepared to pay about US$15 per week for this.
Most houses in Vusama have outside bathing facilities which consist of a brick-walled or iron-sided cubicle with a
bucket that can be filled with water from the well. Hot water will not be readily available, but the weather is so
warm in January-February (summer in Fiji) that it is not usually necessary. There are no flush toilets. Generally
pit toilets contained in small cubicles of corrugated iron are located 20 yards or so from houses. Toilet paper is not
usually supplied so you are advised to bring some with you.
Vusama has electricity and some (but certainly not all) homes have modern amenities such as televisions,
although electric outlets are not abundant. Villagers are conscious of electricity costs so it should only be used
sparingly (e.g. for charging phones and camera batteries). The voltage (240) and plugs are the same as used in
Australia and New Zealand; you are advised to bring surge protectors and adapters with you.
In general, Vusama is a clean, well-run village but its standard of cleanliness may still be below what you’re
accustomed to. Cockroaches are occasionally seen, and you should keep any food in an airtight container in your
bag. Geckoes (small lizards) are found in every house, but these are harmless. Mosquitoes may be an annoyance,
especially on calm nights, but mosquito nets are available and mosquito coils can be purchased in the nearest
shop (about 10 minutes’ drive from the village).
On a typical research day, volunteers will travel from the houses in Vusama to the research site in the back of a
small pickup truck. There will be bench seats in the back of the truck with a canopy overhead and the journey is
typically 10 minutes each way.
8. FOOD
Most people consider the food provided during this expedition to be delicious and highly varied. Villagers will
prepare breakfasts and dinners for the team, served in the Vusama Community Hall. Afternoon tea will be served
at 5:15 pm in the hall. Most dinners involve a range of seafood served in different ways, with vegetables and root
crops. Please note that meals are served on a low table (approximately four inches off the floor) and volunteers
and staff will sit cross-legged on the floor while eating. The villagers will also prepare lunches for the team to take
and eat in the field during research days.
Vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Milk and butter are generally absent from meals (they are expensive), as
are a range of Western foods. Tea (without milk) will be served frequently. Sunday lunch is generally a feast,
while Sunday dinner is lighter than normal. Refrigeration is largely non-existent in the village, although one or
two private homes have small refrigerators.
There are two shops near Vusama that sell a very limited range of products. You may not have access to any
other shops during the expedition. Therefore, you may want to bring an airtight container to fill with your
favorite snacks before leaving for Vusama. Smokers might want to purchase duty-free tobacco, but be prepared to
be asked for cigarettes; most males in Vusama smoke.
11

Below are examples of the foods you might expect during your expedition. Please bear in mind that variety
depends on availability. This list is intended to provide a general idea of food types, but it is very important that
volunteers be flexible.
Breakfast: Cakes, scones, pancakes, jam, papaya, bananas
Lunch: Sandwiches, curry-filled pancakes, cassava, fried fish
Dinner: Various seafood and vegetable dishes, and other dishes (perhaps sausages, rice or noodles) with
root crops like taro, yams, and cassava
Afternoon tea: Tea (without milk), scones, custard pie
Snacks: Bring your own (be sure to keep in an airtight container); other team members will bring their
own snacks to share as well, such as packets of biscuits/cookies (Fiji is home to several biscuit
manufacturers) or Indian savories like mixed bhuja or beans/peas
Beverages: Fruit juice, tea (coffee is not available, but you can bring a jar with you and make it at breakfast if
you wish), water from the village water tank*
*Each day you will be provided with treated water from the village’s new water tank. This water has a slight taste
that volunteers may not be accustomed to, so you may wish to bring powdered drink mixes to conceal the taste.
The team will also stop on the way to the field site at the start of the expedition if you would prefer to purchase a
carton of Fiji Water (US$0.80 per liter) for your stay in the village. It is important to stay hydrated. The
recommended minimum for the two-week expedition is 20 liters per person.
Special Dietary Requirements
Please alert your Earthwatch Expedition Coordinator to any special dietary requirements as soon as possible (e.g.
diabetic, lactose intolerant, etc.). Accommodating special diets is not guaranteed and can be very difficult due to
availability, location and local conditions.
Special note to vegans and strict vegetarians: While vegetable dishes are generally available for every main
meal, please be aware that it is often difficult to accommodate strict vegetarians and vegans. Advance notice will
enable the team to better meet your needs, so please alert your Earthwatch Expedition Coordinator at least two
weeks prior to your expedition. It may be possible to get meatless meals but vegans and strict vegetarians may
have a problem avoiding animal products altogether. If this poses a problem, then participation on this
Earthwatch expedition should be seriously reconsidered.
12

TRAVEL PLANNING
9. BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Note: Earthwatch Institute’s international travel insurance company, International SOS, has a wealth of useful
information available at their website, including visa, passport, currency, medical, etc. information for the
country in which this project takes place. See www.internationalsos.com and enter Earthwatch’s member
identification number: 14ACPA000075. Under “Select Resource” choose “English Country Guide,” and then select
this project’s country from the list. For a listing of other useful websites for passport and visa requirements, see
Section 17 ‘Helpful Resources.’
Entry Requirements for Fiji
Most volunteers traveling from outside Fiji will require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates
of travel. You may wish to register your travel dates with your nation’s embassy in Fiji. US citizens can register
online at www.travel.state.gov. UK Citizens can register online at www.fco.gov.uk. Citizens of other countries
should check with their own national diplomatic agencies for more information.
Entry visas are not required for citizens of most countries including the US, the EU, Japan, and Australia for stays
of less than four months. Citizens of other countries are advised to consult with their travel agent. If you do need
a visa, the chart below should be helpful.
Essential Information for Volunteers Requiring Visas
Type of Visa
Where to Get
a Visa
Required
Information
Cost of a
Visa
You must get a TOURIST VISA.
Contact the nearest Fiji Embassy or Consulate to find out how to apply for your visa. Please
note that this process can take weeks or more. If you have less than six weeks or wish to save
yourself trouble, we strongly recommend using a visa agency, which can both expedite and
simplify the process.
You will need to send your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your stay), a Visa
Application and Immigration Form, 2-4 passport-size photos plus payment to the embassy or
visa agency (if applicable). Please be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months
beyond your stay.
Generally between US$40-100, but varies from country to country and can potentially cost up to
US$180. A visa agency will charge an additional fee depending on the amount of time it takes to
process the application.
Reminder: The purpose of your visit is for vacation, holiday or travel. Foreign immigration officials do not
always understand the concept of a “working vacation” or even “volunteering.” Words such as
“working”/”volunteering,” “research” or a “scientific expedition” can raise questions concerning the country’s
foreign labor laws and/or prompt questions about official scientific research permits and credentials, etc., to
which volunteers on their own will not be equipped to respond. All required research permits for the project are
in place and have been approved by the proper authorities.
Travel Advisory
In December 2006 Fiji underwent its fourth coup since 1987. Since that time, the situation in Fiji has been calm and
Earthwatch has been monitoring the security status closely via State Department/ Foreign Office advisories as
well as via consultation with risk assessors. Travel advisories indicate that travel can continue to Fiji although it
should be considered carefully due to the fact that there is always a possibility that the security situation could
destabilize until an elected government is put into power. Earthwatch will continue to monitor this situation very
13

closely and in the event that the security deteriorates, Earthwatch will take appropriate action, including the
possibility of terminating the teams. Because of this possibility of team termination, volunteers are advised to
purchase travel insurance and book refundable tickets or on an airline that has a low change fee (e.g. Air
Pacific or Qantas). Visitors to Fiji are advised to avoid any protests or demonstrations that might occur in the
cities.
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical and evacuation insurance is mandatory for Earthwatch volunteers while on an Earthwatch
expedition anywhere in the world. The cost of this insurance is included in your volunteer contribution. It covers
volunteer travel medical risk, including medical expenses and medical evacuation, while traveling with
Earthwatch overseas or on an expedition within your home country. Without insurance, the costs of such
measures can range from US$20,000 to $50,000.
The emergency medical and evacuation assistance provider for Earthwatch is On Call International. On Call is a
24-hour international operation which provides medical assistance and evacuation, a 24-hour nurse help line and
other travel assistance services such as lost baggage and lost document assistance.
Basic coverage is valid in the country of your Earthwatch expedition and during international travel to and from
your expedition. If the expedition takes place in your home country, coverage begins when your group forms for
the expedition and ends when the group disbands, and is incremental to your existing health insurance. Options
are available for volunteers who would like to extend the period of coverage, increase insurance amounts or
purchase additional cancellation or baggage insurance. Application forms for additional coverage are included in
your volunteer packet.
A detailed description of the Volunteer Medical and Evacuation Insurance Program policy, including the optional
coverage increases, will be sent with this briefing. Please note that policies are specific to each Earthwatch
office.
To contact On Call International in the event of an emergency, dial:
• 1-866-509-7715 from within the US
• +1-603-898-9159 from outside the US
State that you are on an Earthwatch expedition. The Earthwatch policy number is #US008020.
Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended for Earthwatch volunteers. Depending on the level of
coverage you purchase, cancellation insurance will help cover your airfare and Earthwatch contribution if
you need to cancel your expedition due to medical or other covered reasons. Earthwatch Institute does not
reimburse airfare or costs associated with cancelled flights or expeditions. Levels of reimbursement for cancelled
airline tickets or ticket change fees will vary depending on what type of trip cancellation policy you purchase.
You are strongly advised to buy flexible or refundable plane tickets. Note that volunteers with preexisting
medical conditions are encouraged to explore their coverage options.
For US and Canadian Volunteers
Earthwatch is offering comprehensive optional travel insurance through CSA Travel Protection as a service to our
US and Canadian volunteers. While our inclusive insurance covers your emergency medical needs while in the
field, this optional policy covers trip cancellation insurance due to medical emergencies, lost luggage, travel
delays, etc. For more information on the insurance policy, call Earthwatch at 1‐800‐776‐0188 or visit
www.csatravelprotection.com. Please note that some coverage is dependent on purchasing insurance within 24
hours of paying in full for your expedition. Should you decide to take out our optional insurance, please use the
following producer code to indicate your affiliation with Earthwatch: 83534816.
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For Volunteers Signing Up through Earthwatch Europe
Earthwatch Europe volunteers can purchase travel insurance from Earthwatch that is underwritten by Endsleigh
and includes Additional Cancellation Cover. Additional Cancellation Cover insurance includes cover for nonrefundable
travel expenses should your expedition be cancelled. Alternatively, if Earthwatch Europe volunteers
hold their own travel insurance they may be able to purchase Additional Cancellation Cover through their
existing insurer.
Travel Agencies
Contact your local travel agent or use the web to find the lowest rates to make your travel arrangements. A list of
suggested travel agents can be found in Section 17 ‘Helpful Resources.’ Be sure to give your rendezvous details to
your travel agent as soon as possible so they can plan your trip accordingly.
Other Advice / Information
• Time zone: GMT +12
• Electricity: 240 volts, 50 Hz, two- or three-pin plugs (Type I, as used in Australia
and New Zealand)
• Language: Most people in Fiji speak English, but you may need to speak more slowly and enunciate more
clearly than you are accustomed to. Almost everyone in Fiji speaks the standard Fijian language (Bauan)
and/or Fiji Hindi. The people of Vusama commonly speak all three plus their own Fijian dialect (Nadroga).
• Telephone dialing codes: When calling Fiji from another country, dial the country’s international dial-out code,
followed by 679 and the number. When calling within Fiji, omit the 679 and dial the seven-digit telephone
number only. When calling another country from Fiji, dial 00, followed by the other country’s country code
and the number.
• Currency exchange: See the International SOS website (above) and www.xe.com/ucc for currency information
and exchange rates. Fiji dollars are available for exchange at airports where there are flights to Fiji, and in the
arrivals hall at Nadi International Airport. Hotels will exchange small amounts of common foreign currency
but the rates are generally less favorable than at banks. Fiji dollars can be withdrawn from cash
machines/ATMs throughout the cities and at the airport. ATMs will not be accessible at the field site.
• Personal funds: You may wish to have around 200 Fiji dollars for unforeseen circumstances, although the
closest village shops are very limited and you may not have access to other shops while in the field. Any extra
snacks should be purchased on or before Day 1. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted in many
shops in larger towns such as Nadi. ATMs accepting international credit cards are available in several places
in Nadi and at the airport. It will NOT be possible to access ATMs or banks while in the field. Tipping is not
customary in Fiji.
15

10. PROJECT CONDITIONS
Please show this section to your physician when he/she is completing your health statement. Be sure to discuss inoculation
requirements with your physician well in advance of your departure date. See Section 11 ‘Health Information’ for inoculation
information.
To the examining physician:
Your patient has volunteered to join a field research team that has specific physical demands of which you and
your patient should be aware. We need your accurate evaluation of your patient’s ability to meet the conditions
detailed below in order to safeguard his/her health and safety and ensure that he/she can participate fully and
effectively.
General Conditions of the Research Site
The altitude of the research area ranges from sea level to 50 feet/15 meters. It is likely to be hot and humid at this
time of year. There won’t be much shade, though excavation will be carried out beneath tarps. Dehydration is
possible, and frequent rest and constant hydration are extremely important. It is critical that you bring a broadbrimmed
hat to keep the sun off your head as well as high-factor sun block to prevent burning. Sunglasses are
also strongly recommended.
Cyclones very rarely hit the south coast of Viti Levu Island, where the Rove Peninsula is located, but the teams do
operate during Fiji’s cyclone season (November to April). Should a cyclone or tropical storm develop, fieldwork
will stop temporarily and the team will gather in the Vusama Community Hall to wait it out. It is imperative that
volunteers remain indoors and follow all instructions from project staff.
January/February Conditions
Humidity 70% to 85%
Temperature range 75°F/24°C to 95°F/35°C
Rainfall 0-10 in/0-25 cm per month
Physical Demands
Volunteers of differing physical abilities can be accommodated within most research activities. It will be
necessary to carry some equipment and supplies, but this is a shared task and there is no minimum requirement.
On most excavation days, volunteers will walk no more than about 0.5 miles as the team will be working at a
fixed location. However, during the survey and surface collection (reconnaissance) activities, you may choose to
walk up to five miles a day (optional). During excavation, volunteers will be required to take turns excavating
(generally using a small trowel) as well as filling buckets with soil, lifting and pouring them onto the sieves and
shaking the sieves. In addition to the project’s physical demands, you should also be psychologically prepared to
experience a culture very different from your own. Most foreign visitors to Fiji cope very well with this, find it
interesting and stimulating, and end up having a fulfilling experience that stays with them for a lifetime.
Below are the expected demands of the project, but please keep in mind that conditions may change and the
project could potentially be more or less strenuous than the chart indicates.
Activity Workload/Intensity
Sitting/Digging 0-6 hours per day on 12 days
Bending/Sieving 1-7 hours per day on 10 days
Walking 0-7 hours per day on 4 days
Carrying Light backpack while walking for 0-7 hours per day on 4 days; project equipment (however
much you can manage) for 30 minutes per day on 12 days
16

Potential Hazards
Hazard Type
Transportation
Terrain
Animals/
Plants
Climate/
Weather
Personal
security
Project tasks/
equipment
Diseases and
health risks
Associated Risks and Precautions
Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Fiji. Paved roads are well maintained and
regulated. The project will use a reputable rental company and drivers for the bus ride from
Nadi to the project site. Seatbelts should be worn at all times per Fiji law. While in the field,
project and village vehicles (usually a small pickup truck fitted with bench seats in the back
and a canopy overhead) will be used to transport volunteers between the village and the
research site along dirt roads, traveling no more than 10 miles per hour for typically 10
minutes each way.
The terrain is rough but reasonably easy to cross. Sprains, scratches, bruises, etc. are possible
but can be minimized by following onsite safety procedures, particularly by walking slowly
and carefully and wearing long pants. You should wear shoes at all times to avoid cutting your
feet on shells and other sharp. Be sure to wash and apply an antibiotic cream to any cuts. When
walking through the bush, beware of sinkholes in bedrock terrain. Barbed wire surrounds the
Bourewa dig site and many farmers’ fields – cross it with great care and ask for help if you
need it. Do not break down fences or leave gates open. A flashlight or headlamp is highly
recommended for nighttime toilet visits. When crossing excavation areas, watch for ropes
holding up tarps, guide wires for pits, and the pits themselves. Never jump into pits, and
always be careful when getting out that you do not collapse the pit sides. Ask for a helping
hand if necessary.
There are no venomous snakes or other animals in the research area. Mosquitoes and hornets
may be a problem in thick bush. Bring insect repellent and appropriate medications for
potential allergic reactions to insects or plants (at least two Epi-pens, antihistamines, etc.).
Scratches from sugarcane stalks are likely but can be minimized by wearing long pants.
Do not expose yourself to the sun unnecessarily. Always wear a broad-brimmed hat when
working in the sun and use ample high-factor sunscreen, reapplying frequently. You may also
wish to bring a cream for relieving sunburn. Dehydration can be a significant issue, so be sure
to drink plenty of water every day, particularly during fieldwork.
Theft is not generally a concern in Vusama, although you should take sensible precautions and
leave any unnecessary valuables at home. Walking alone in Fiji’s urban centers at night is not
recommended as pick-pocketing and muggings do occasionally occur. Travel in groups and by
taxi in urban areas at night; only choose official taxis with yellow registration plates.
Follow proper procedures when using equipment, as instructed by the project staff. In order to
protect personal electrical equipment from damage, power surge protectors and voltage
adaptors are necessary.
Vusama’s well water may cause stomach upsets (including diarrhea) for some people.
Ultraviolet light (UV) treated water will be provided but has a slight taste (see Section 8 ‘Food’).
Bring some medication such as Imodium (loperamide) or lomotil in case of traveler’s diarrhea.
Adequate fluid intake is essential. Always wash your hands before eating and wear footwear
at all times to avoid bacteria, disease and infection. Dengue fever is found in Fiji; it is a virus
spread by day-biting mosquitoes and precautions such as wearing insect repellent should be
practiced. Other diseases that may be found in Fiji include eosinophilic meningitis, hepatitis,
HIV/AIDS, leptospirosis, and typhoid. Please see Section 11 ‘Health Information’ for inoculation
recommendations and health advice.
Medical Conditions of Special Concern
Though the expedition will not be particularly physically strenuous, volunteers should be reasonably fit and
healthy. You should be able to comfortably sit on the floor (cross-legged or kneeling with your feet tucked behind
you) for extended periods during meals and social events (the welcome ceremony, chatting with village residents,
etc.). People with limited flexibility, knee problems and/or bad backs may find this difficult. Though the team
will eat a good deal of seafood, those with seafood allergies can be accommodated.
17

11. HEALTH INFORMATION
See www.internationalsos.com for information on the current health conditions in Fiji. At the homepage, enter
Earthwatch’s member identification number: 14ACPA000075. Under “Select Resource” choose “English Country
Guide,” and then select Fiji from the list.
Routine Immunizations
All volunteers should make sure to have the following up-to-date immunizations: DPT (diphtheria, pertussis,
tetanus), polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (if you have not already had chicken pox). Please
be sure your tetanus shot is current.
Project Inoculations
The following are recommendations only. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer. Note that
health conditions around the world are constantly changing, so keep informed and consult your physician, a local
travel health clinic, the US Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), the World Health Organization
(www.who.int), International SOS (see above), and/or the resources in Section 17 ‘Helpful Resources’ for the latest
health information for travelers. Please consult your physician for guidance on inoculations if you intend to travel
to other parts of the country.
Typhoid
Hepatitis A These inoculations are recommended for health reasons.
Hepatitis B
Yellow Fever A vaccination certificate is required from travelers over a year of age entering Fiji within 10
days of an overnight or longer stay in an infected area. Otherwise inoculation is not necessary.
Other Advice / Information
• Dengue fever: Dengue fever is a flu-like virus spread primarily by day-biting mosquitoes. It is characterized by
fever, headache, rash, vomiting and severe muscle pains. There is no vaccine and mosquito bites should be
avoided whenever possible. Insect repellent and long sleeves and pants are highly recommended. There is no
treatment for standard dengue fever other than acetaminophen (avoid aspirin), fluids and rest. It is usually
resolved after about two weeks. However, hemorrhagic dengue fever, characterized by bleeding and shock,
can occasionally occur and requires medical care.
• Traveler’s diarrhea: Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It usually occurs within the
first week away from home and affects 20-50% of all those who go abroad. Travelers are especially likely to
become ill at high-risk destinations such as developing nations; the risk in Fiji is considered moderate.
Traveler’s diarrhea is mainly caused by the bacterium E coli, which is spread through contaminated food and
water. Other bacteria, especially salmonella, shigella and campylobacter, account for an additional 5-30% of
all cases. Viruses, such as rotavirus and clacivirus, and parasites are other common causes. Choosing safe
food and water will reduce the risk of developing the disease. It is important to treat traveler’s diarrhea by
replacing lost fluids. Continuously sip clear fluids such as water, soft drinks or weak tea. Avoid dairy
products, alcohol and coffee. Most cases of traveler’s diarrhea will resolve in one or two days. Occasionally,
intravenous rehydration is required, especially if there has been significant vomiting or
extreme diarrhea.Medical attention should be sought if there is no improvement after 24-36 hours or if the
patient develops fever, bloody stools or becomes lightheaded or dizzy.
• Tuberculosis: The WHO estimates that one-third of the world’s population is infected with the bacterium
(M.tuberculosis) that causes tuberculosis (TB). Incidence of tuberculosis is higher in developing countries,
particularly in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. In general, approximately 10% of persons
infected with M. tuberculosis are at risk for developing active TB during their lifetimes. TB is considered
highly treatable with medications that are of relatively low toxicity and cost. Volunteers returning from
developing countries are encouraged to have a (PPD)-tuberculin skin-test to screen for potential infection.
18

12. PACKING CONSIDERATIONS
PLEASE SEE THE PACKING CHECKLIST AT THE BACK OF THIS BRIEFING AND REMEMBER TO TAKE
YOUR BRIEFING WITH YOU ON YOUR EXPEDITION.
General Considerations
Note: Many airlines have strict baggage policies. Please check with your airline(s) on baggage weight limits,
liquid restrictions, fees for checked baggage, etc.
Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own. A large soft-sided bag or backpack is
recommended. You should also bring a small backpack to carry a hat, sunscreen, water, toilet paper (buy a fourpack
in advance), etc. into the field each day. You are advised to pack an extra set of field clothing and personal
essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost and/or takes several days to catch up with you.
You can expect to get dirty during fieldwork, so bring inexpensive clothing and shoes! A pair of slip-on sandals
(such as flip-flops, used commonly throughout Fiji) would be good to wear in the village. A pair of
sneakers/trainers or more solid boots would be good for fieldwork, although flip-flops are best for excavating
and sieving. Flip-flops cost no more than $10 Fiji dollars in Nadi. If you bring a pair of shoes that look quite
common, you may want to write your name on them with permanent marker, as shoes are left outside the village
homes and community hall before entering. If you plan to attend church on Sunday morning, please bring a nicer
set of clothing. For men, this should consist of a shirt and long pants, while women should bring a knee-length or
longer skirt or dress with covered shoulders. It is suggested that you have a waterproof case or sealable plastic
bag(s) for your camera and other electronics to protect against moisture, as well as a tight-seal container (e.g.
Tupperware) for any food you might bring into the field. Although the water is the village is potable, you may
also wish to invest in a carton of Fiji Water (write your name on the carton) while in Nadi before going to the
field.
Weather Considerations
Please take weather conditions into consideration when packing for your expedition. Climate information can be
found in Section 10 ‘Project Conditions.’ For all teams, the weather is likely to be hot and humid. Loose-fitting
clothing, preferably 100% cotton, is recommended. Your legs are likely to get scratched if you wear short pants in
the field, but it may be worth it to you to stay cool. A broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen are essential and a
waterproof jacket is recommended.
Cultural Considerations
Once onsite, you will be briefed on appropriate behavior, clothing, etc. In Vusama Village, clothing that reveals
more of you than is absolutely necessary for your comfort is inappropriate. All volunteers should avoid exposing
shoulders or legs above the knees in Vusama. These restrictions do not apply at the field site, where comfort is the
main consideration. Hats should not be worn in the village, but are essential for fieldwork. In addition, all
volunteers should have at least one wrap-around sulu (or lavalava, a type of sarong) to wear in the village. These
can be purchased in Nadi for no more than $15 Fiji dollars each (if you are asked for more, go to another shop!).
Western-style bathing suits are not entirely appropriate, but can be worn on Sunday afternoon visits to the beach.
Your host family in Vusama would appreciate a small gift from you at the end of your visit, perhaps a pair of
extra large large t-shirts or towels advertising your home country/region or a hanging decoration or calendar for
their house, but NOT alcohol or tobacco. Give the gifts when you leave, not when you arrive. If your host family
does your laundry, you should give them about US$15 per week in local currency when you leave. It is not
appropriate to give extra money. When you return home, it would be nice to send back any photographs you
may have taken during your stay.
19

Essential Items
Make sure to bring your Earthwatch Expedition Briefing with you! It includes essential information to which
you may need to refer during your expedition, as well as during your journey to and from the rendezvous site.
Please see the Expedition Packing Checklist for a complete list of what you will need to take with you. You are
encouraged to go through the list and mark off each required item right before you leave for your expedition.
13. RECOMMENDED READING
Please read Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers: The Research in the appendix of this briefing. This document was prepared
by the Principal Investigator and Earthwatch and explains the research conducted through this project as well as
some results to date. Below are additional recommended materials for those interested in further preparing for
the expedition. Many can be purchased online through popular vendors. See Section 17 ‘Helpful Resources’ for
suggested vendor websites.
Scientific Media
• Nunn, P.D., Kumar, R., Matararaba, S. and Ishimura, T. 2006. The earliest human settlement in the Fiji
Islands. Domodomo (Journal of the Fiji Museum), 19, 27-33.
• Kumar, R., Nunn, P.D. and Dickinson, W.R. 2004. The emerging pattern of earliest human settlement in Fiji:
four new Lapita sites on Viti Levu Island. Archaeology in New Zealand, 47, 108-117 (note that this is the first
report of Lapita on the Rove Peninsula and was made before the Bourewa site was discovered).
• Nunn, P.D., Kumar, R., Matararaba, S., Ishimura, T., Seeto, J., Rayawa, S., Kuruyawa, S., Nasila, A., Oloni, B.,
Rati Ram, A., Saunivalu, P., Singh, P. and Tegu, E. 2004. Early Lapita settlement site at Bourewa, southwest
Viti Levu Island, Fiji. Archaeology in Oceania, 39, 139-143 (this was the first report of the Bourewa site).
• Nunn, P.D., Pene, C., Matararaba, S., Kumar, R., Singh, P., Dredregasa, I., Gwilliam, M., Heorake, T.,
Kuilanisautabu, L., Nakoro, E., Narayan, L., Pastorizo, M.R., Robinson, S., Saunivalu, P. and Tamani, F. 2005.
Human occupations of caves of the Rove Peninsula, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji. South Pacific Journal of
Natural Science, 23, 16-23.
Links to these articles as well as reviews and content lists for most of Dr. Patrick Nunn’s books may be available
on his webpage at http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=2486.
Popular Media
To get the most from your experience, you are encouraged to read one of the two following books about the
history of the Pacific Islands:
• Campbell, I.C. 2003. Worlds Apart: a history of the Pacific Islands. Revised edition. Canterbury University Press,
Christchurch.
• Howe, K.R. 2001. Where the Waves Fall: a new South Seas history from first settlement to colonial rule. University of
Hawaii Press, Honolulu.
Glancing through one of the following books, which discuss the regional context of the research, would also add
to the experience:
• Howe, K.R. 2003. The Quest for Origins: who first discovered New Zealand and the Pacific Islands? Penguin Books,
Auckland.
• Kirch, P.V. 1997. The Lapita Peoples: Ancestors of the Oceanic World. Blackwell, Oxford.
• Kirch, P.V. 2000. On the Road of the Winds: an archaeological history of the Pacific Islands before European contact.
University of California Press, Berkeley.
Finally, The Lonely Planet Guide to Fiji is very good, though there are many others. Lonely Planet also publishes a
pocket sized Fijian phrasebook, which would be useful for basic communication.
20

15. EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD
In the case of a medical emergency, the individual would be taken to the Sigatoka Hospital, a 40-minute drive
from the field site. An all-terrain vehicle is available for this purpose at all times. Two First Aid kits will be
available in the field, one in the vehicle (for fieldwork) and one in Vusama Village. In the event that a volunteer
should have to leave the expedition early for a personal emergency, the volunteer will be taken to Nadi Airport in
the expedition vehicle.
Safety Certified Staff
Nearest Hospital
Time to Reach
Sepeti Matararaba, Tammy Tabe and Frank Thomas are certified in basic First Aid.
Sigatoka Hospital (Nadroga Subdivisional Hospital)
Hospital Road, Sigatoka Town
Tel: +679 650 0455
40-minute drive from both the field site and the accommodation site
17. HELPFUL RESOURCES
Principal Investigator Website
• Dr. Patrick Nunn’s website, with PDF files of many of his recent publications and some additional research
information: www.usp.ac.fj/geography (click on People, then Nunn)
Passport and Visa Information
• Embassies around the world: http://www.embassyworld.com
• For Japanese citizens: http://www.rainbowt.jp/travel/visa_top.html
• For Australian citizens: https://www.passports.gov.au and http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/index.html
• Passport Visa Express (for US citizens): www.passportvisasexpress.com
• The Visaservice: http://www.visaservice.co.uk
• Thames Consular Services Ltd: http://www.visapassport.com
Travel Guidebooks and Booksellers
• Lonely Planet: http://www.lonelyplanet.com
• Rough Guide: http://travel.roughguides.com
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com
• Barnes and Noble: http://www.bn.com
Travel Agencies and Advice
• Esplanade Tours: http://esplanadetours.com
160 Commonwealth Ave Suite L3
Boston, MA 02116 USA
Tel: 617-266-7465
Toll free in the US: 1-800-426-5492 or 1-800-628-4893
Fax: 617-262-9829
Email: info@esplanadetours.com
• STA Travel: http://www.statravel.com
65 Mt. Auburn St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tel: +1 617 576-4623
Fax: +1 617 576-2740
Email: cam@statravel.com
21

• STA Travel (UK): http://www.statravel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1865 792800
Fax: +44 (0) 1865 792911
Email: manager.oxford@statravel.co.uk
Quote code: EWE01/02
• Wexas International (Europe): http://www.wexas.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7581 8761
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7581 7679
Email: southern@wexas.com
Quote code: EWE01/02
• Democracy Travel (contact Jean S. West, Assistant Manager)
4818 MacArthur Blvd NW
Washington DC 20007
Tel: 202 965 7200 or 866-557-9968 (toll free US and Canada)
Fax: 202 342 0471
Email: jean@democracytravel.com
• World Travel Guide: http://www.worldtravelguide.com
• UK Foreign Office travel advice: http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Airline/Airport Resources
• Flight comparison tools: http://www.bookingbuddy.com and http://www.1800-fly.com
• Airport codes worldwide: http://www.logisticsworld.com/airports.asp
Country Information
• Country information from around the world: http://www.countryreports.org
• National Geographic Map Machine: http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/mapmachine
• US State Department: http://www.state.gov
• Time worldwide with GMT/UTC: http://www.worldtimeserver.com
• Currency converter: http://www.xe.com
• Electrical current converter: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm
• Telephone dialing codes: http://kropla.com/dialcode.htm
• Online unit conversions: http://www.onlineconversion.com
• Worldwide weather: http://www.wunderground.com or http://www.tutiempo.net/en
• Fiji Meteorological Service: http://www.met.gov.fj/index.php
• ATM locator: http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp or
http://www.mastercard.com/atmlocator/index.jsp
Health Information
• Travel health website: http://www.mdtravelhealth.com
• Center for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov
• World Health Organization: http://www.who.int
• The Travel Doctor: http://www.tmvc.com.au
• Disease outbreaks: http://www.who.int/csr/don/en
• Hospital for Tropical Diseases: http://www.thehtd.org
• Travellers Healthline Advisory Service
Tel: 020 7950 7799
• MASTA Travelers’ Healthline (UK)
Tel: 0906 8 224100 (within UK)
22

APPENDIX
FIJI’S ANCIENT SEAFARERS: THE RESEARCH
The following information was taken from the research proposal submitted by the Principal Investigator to
Earthwatch Institute. Included is a description of the research conducted through this project, some results to
date, and other information regarding the accomplishments of the project and the staff. Specific details regarding
research sites, methods, etc. is subject to change slightly from year to year and such changes may not be
incorporated into this document.
BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES, AND METHODS
Background
Unlike most “developed” countries, where history based in fact has been taught to schoolchildren for generations,
history in the Pacific Islands is mostly unknown – a matter for speculation, characterized by improbable legends
masquerading as traditional knowledge. Part of the reason for this is an almost total ignorance about the islands’
early human history, partly due to the lack of educational and other materials available to teach people about
their islands’ early history.
Most people in Fiji believe that the first inhabitants of these islands came from Africa in a canoe called the
“Kaunitoni” led by a chief named Lutunasobasoba. This widespread belief is actually a post-Colonial invention,
the result of a newspaper competition in the 1880s held in response to the frustration felt by missionaries when
commonly told in response to their question “Where did you come from?” addressed to the islanders that “We
have always been here.” In fact, scientific research in Fiji has shown a quite different picture. No Fijians came
from Africa; they arrived about 1100 BC from the island groups to the west (Solomon Islands and Vanuatu)
within a few generations of their arrival there from the Bismarck Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. The
ancestors of these people probably came from what is now Taiwan and southern China (Nunn 1999, Howe 2003).
The first people in Fiji were part of an extraordinary culture named “Lapita” (after the place in New Caledonia
where their distinctively decorated pottery was first recognized). The Lapita people were extraordinary in many
ways. They made pottery, some of which they decorated with intricate and exquisite designs, some they painted.
This pottery was probably part of a design assemblage that included wood carving and body tattooing, although
no direct record of these has come down to us today. The Lapita people were also people who lived largely from
the ocean, even building their villages out on stilt-mounted platforms across coral-reef flats to optimize access to
reef food resources. In some places, they supplemented their ocean diets with crops grown on adjacent lowlands.
Their intimate relationship with the ocean is further underscored by their extraordinary voyaging ability; they
were able to routinely cross ocean distances of more than 1,000 miles, long before people in any other part of the
world were able to make routine crossings one 10 th that distance. In this way the Lapita people crossed into the
Pacific Islands region from Papua New Guinea to Tonga (some 2,800 miles) and their descendants crossed the rest
of the Pacific, making landfall in the Americas before Europeans even knew the Pacific Ocean existed (Kirch 1997,
2000; Irwin 1992).
In Fiji, we are dealing with just one chapter in the Lapita history. The Lapita people arrived in Fiji – the first
human colonizers – about 1100 BC and disappeared as a recognizable cultural group around 550 BC, about the
same time as elsewhere in the Lapita region. Along the Rove Peninsula, they first settled the Bourewa Beach site
and then spread out to other reef-fringed bays and smaller islands in the area. The Bourewa site is probably the
earliest human settlement in Fiji (Nunn et al. 2004, 2005, 2006a,b).
23

The earliest occupation at Bourewa seems to have been on stilt houses, or on a low sandspit at the mouth of a
brackish-water bay. Shellfish was an important component of Lapita diets at Bourewa, where a large shell
midden – a pile of discarded shells – was formed. Yet traces of taro and yam have also been found in the
sediments at Bourewa, a sure sign that the Lapita people there also practiced horticulture (Horrocks and Nunn
2007). Stone tools are found throughout the site, most from the local area; a major find was a piece of obsidian
(volcanic glass) traced to a source in Papua New Guinea 2,610 miles away and brought to Bourewa around 900
BC.
Many people have speculated as to what made the Lapita people so extraordinary. Most regard the pottery
making and the voyaging as part of a religious movement, perhaps led by a succession of messianic figures,
which was focused on ancestor worship. Whatever the answer, an improved understanding of the Lapita history
of Fiji will not only add information to such speculations, but will also inform the population at large about the
nature of their islands’ earliest human history and the incredible achievements that were involved.
This research project has implications not only for archaeology and history. At the time the Lapita people arrived,
the sea level was around 5.2 feet higher than today and the geography of the area was quite different (Nunn
2005). Not only was there less land, but the Rove Peninsula was on an offshore island and surrounded by less
coral reef than today. Much research will go into reconstructing the ancient environment, the nature and the
ecology of the coral reef that existed in Lapita times. This information will be combined with studies of the shell
midden to understand changing patterns of shellfish consumption through time, something which could be a
result of changing patterns of predation or climate change or both (Allen 2002).
Animal bones (including dog, chicken, pig and rat) are found in the site and allow us insights into Lapita diets
and commensals. Bones of extinct animals may reveal human-associated extinctions (Anderson 2002). Human
bones excavated in 2003 may be of Lapita age, and are currently being analyzed. They show that the former
inhabitants of the Rove Peninsula were taller and larger than most of the present occupants, and that they
suffered particularly from yaws, a tropical infection of the skin, bones and joints.
Geological expertise is also applied to the stone tools found in the area, and much effort is going into finding the
sources of these. A favored rock was greenstone (dacite) which occurs in the mountainous hinterland of the site.
Geological expertise is also being applied to the sand (used as temper) in the Lapita pottery found in this area.
Knowledge of where that sand came from allows us to determine the place where the pottery was manufactured.
In several parts of Fiji, it has been demonstrated using this technique that pottery was exchanged/traded
throughout the archipelago and beyond in Lapita times (Dickinson and Shutler 2000).
Project Objectives and Methods
The goals of this project are to continue to illuminate the early human history of Fiji, by continuing research in
what is clearly a key area – the Rove Peninsula. In the Fiji context, this is providing information that is lacking;
while in a regional context, information about Fiji needs to be placed alongside that from adjoining island groups
for the purpose of regional synthesis.
Education is a key goal, both in terms of local-area education (at community gatherings and in schools), and
country-wide and region-wide through the media. The USP students who work on the project also learn a lot
about Fiji’s early history and give out this information through their own communities, both in Fiji and overseas.
The specific research objectives of this project are outlined below.
24

Objective 1: Selective excavation at Bourewa Beach and other Lapita-era sites on or near the Rove Peninsula
This objective is to continue to uncover sufficient information about the Lapita occupation of this area, to be able
to understand its chronology (particularly the start and end), its extent (and settlement pattern evolution), and its
response to changing geography (particularly changes in coastal ecosystems associated with sea-level fall) (Nunn
2005, Nunn et al. 2004).
• Method 1: Excavation in selected places is expected to reveal layers that represent different time horizons in
the Lapita occupation, especially shell-midden deposits and organic-stained beach sand. Excavation will
target samples from the base of the shell midden (for occupation start) that will be radiocarbon dated. Other
time horizons will be targeted.
• Method 2: Areas peripheral to what is believed to be the earliest part of the site (at Bourewa Beach) will be
subject to test excavation, in order to refine the known extent of the settlement and its satellites and develop a
better chronology for settlement pattern evolution along the Rove Peninsula.
• Method 3: To understand the area’s changing geography the project will conduct coring in various places and
date key chronostratigraphic markers (like volcanic tephra) and different types of pollen and shells (see also
Objective 5).
Objective 2: Surface collection of stone tools and pottery fragments from selected coastal flats and caves on or
near the Rove Peninsula
This objective is to try and identify any Lapita-era sites as yet unrecorded in areas peripheral to the main sites as
well as specialized-use areas (such as stone quarrying sites, lithic working sites, pottery manufacture sites).
• Method 1: Visual survey of selected areas to collect stone tools and pottery shards and identify any other
indicators of early human presence.
• Method 2: Targeted visual survey of potential stone-tool quarrying or working areas including river gravel
bars and islands.
Objective 3: Use GPS and GIS and surveying to construct maps of both the modern and Lapita-era
environments of the Rove Peninsula
• Method 1: To survey with GPS the entire area to build up an accurate GIS map of the Lapita settlements along
the Rove Peninsula.
• Method 2: To survey with GPS the shoreline of the former island and its likely form and reef associations in
order to produce a paleogeographic map of the Rove Peninsula.
Objective 4: Conduct offshore coral reef survey to try and reconstruct the form and ecology of the reef that
existed in Lapita times, and its subsequent development (this objective will not be pursued during the 2009
season)
• Method 1: Transects will be run across the modern fringing reef at Bourewa to characterize its ecology,
particularly the locations of key shell species found in the Lapita midden onshore.
• Method 2: Shallow drilling of selected reef corals will be undertaken to determine recent reef history, and the
history of climate change as represented by sea-surface temperature changes.
• Method 3: Mapping and dating of selected corals will help define the extent of the Lapita-era reef.
• Method 4: A selection of large boulders moved across the reef flat will be examined and their movement
dated. Shallow embayments will be cored to see whether there are large-wave deposits there. Large wave
impact might explain why the Rove Peninsula settlements all appear to have been abandoned about 550 BC.
25

Objective 5: Excavate cave sediments with a view to understanding climate change as revealed through
environmental proxies such as vegetation type and sedimentation rate
• Method 1: Test excavation of cave floors to identify deep sediment sequences.
• Method 2: Deep excavation of selected areas, drying of samples, removal of samples for radiocarbon dating,
and packaging.
Objective 6: In-field analysis in order to generate a large quantity of data without carrying all samples back to
the USP laboratory
• Method 1: Pottery samples will be washed and sorted, with decoration recorded and repacked as appropriate.
• Method 2: Shell samples will be washed, weighed, identified and rebagged as appropriate.
• Method 3: Bone samples will be cleaned and repacked.
• Method 4: Stone-tool samples will be cleaned, measured and classified before repacking as appropriate.
RESULTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
The results of this project will help us to better understand the early human history of the Fiji Islands, the origins
of their first settlers, and the lifestyles they followed. It will allow us to understand why they came and what
happened when they arrived.
The people of the Rove Peninsula are proud that this area appears to be where the first people lived in Fiji. They
take pride in relating that fact to other groups, and have displays of photos in their community hall. A long-term
plan is to set up an eco-tour run by the villagers of the Lapita sites along the Rove Peninsula. Beyond the
peninsula but within the immediate area, there is also a lot of interest, and schools are invited to visit the site
when we are working there. There will be such an “open day” during the Earthwatch project. The long-term
sustainability of interest in the Rove Peninsula sites depends on developing a sense of ownership of place and
history among the inhabitants.
Since starting fieldwork on the Rove Peninsula in 2003, there has been considerable interest in the results shown
nationally and in the Pacific Islands region. In particular, some of the pottery and rock samples we have
recovered have been widely photographed, and Patrick Nunn has conducted numerous interviews with national
and overseas media relating the importance of these sites to all Pacific Island people. The importance is mainly in
informing people in the Pacific Islands about their early human history, a subject that is largely explained by
legends at present. Nunn has contributed many pieces to the Fiji Museum, where displays about the Rove
Peninsula sites are being prepared. He has formally requested the Fiji Museum to invoke its legislative powers to
protect the Bourewa Beach site from future development.
There has been wide interest in the research on the Rove Peninsula, which has been marked by visits from
numerous scientists, the presentation of oral papers and posters at international conferences, and the publication
of several academic articles in peer-reviewed journals or as book chapters (Kumar et al. 2004, Nunn 2007, Nunn et
al. 2004, 2005, 2006a, 2006b).
Several departments at USP are involved in this research (Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Pacific Studies,
History, Biology, Applied Sciences), each contributing faculty time and resources towards the project. The field
research is a collaborative venture between USP and the Fiji Museum, which oversees and regulates archaeologylinked
research in Fiji. Museum staff are involved in the planning of the project, and in fieldwork. The museum
provides an essential link between the university and the community and government. Many other universities
are involved in this research, both in providing faculty and resources and in helping with the analysis of material.
26

This project interacts with the following groups in a variety of ways:
• Local communities: We interact daily with the communities on the Rove Peninsula, and stay in the Fijian
village of Vusama. The local community provides our food and transport and is fully informed about the
work we are carrying out.
• Students: Local-area schools are invited to visit the site and be informed about what we are doing and why.
Representatives of the research team will give lectures in selected schools during fieldwork and interface with
local media.
• Early career scientists: Field Team Leader Roselyn Kumar is a young scientist working on a Ph.D.
Kuilanisautabu, Lal, Qolicokota, Ram, Sanjana, Tabe and Vosamosi are all enrolled in Master’s degree
courses.
• Host country national scientists: Both Field Team Leaders are Fiji nationals, as are field staff Kuilanisautabu,
Lal, Qolicokota, Seeto, Ram, Sanjana, Tabe and Vosamosi.
The research results of this project will be disseminated through professional papers in academic journals, public
lectures at the Fiji Museum and within USP, press releases and media accounts of the fieldwork, Pacific region
television and radio, and in other ways.
LITERATURE CITED
Allen, M.S. 2002. Resolving long-term change in Polynesian marine fisheries. Asian Perspectives, 41, 195-212.
Anderson, A. 2002. Faunal collapse, landscape change and settlement history in Remote Oceania. World
Archaeology, 33, 375-390.
Campbell, I.C. 2003. Worlds Apart: a history of the Pacific Islands. Christchurch: Canterbury University Press
(revised edition).
Clark, J.T., Cole, A.O. and Nunn, P.D. 1999. Environmental change and human prehistory on Totoya island, Fiji. In
Galipaud, J-C. and Lilley, I. (editors). The Pacific from 5000 to 2000 BP: Colonizations and Transformations. Paris:
Editions de IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), 227-240.
Dickinson, W.R. and Shutler, R. Jr. 2000. Implications of petrographic temper analysis for Oceanian prehistory.
Journal of World Prehistory,14, 203-266.
Horrocks, M. and Nunn, P.D. 2007. Evidence for introduced taro (Colocasia esculenta) and lesser yam (Dioscorea
esculenta) in Lapita-era (ca. 3050-2500 cal. yr BP) deposits from Bourewa, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji.
Journal of Archaeological Science. [manuscript: 17 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables].
Howe, K.R. 2003. The Quest for Origins: who first discovered New Zealand and the Pacific Islands? Auckland: Penguin
Books.
Irwin, G. 1992. The Prehistoric Exploration and Colonisation of the Pacific. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Kirch, P.V. 1997. The Lapita Peoples: Ancestors of the Oceanic World. Oxford: Blackwell.
Kirch, P.V. 2000. On the Road of the Winds: an archaeological history of the Pacific Islands before European contact.
Berkeley: University of California Press.
Kumar, R., Nunn, P.D. and Dickinson, W.R. 2004. The emerging pattern of earliest human settlement in Fiji: four
new Lapita sites on Viti Levu Island. Archaeology in New Zealand, 47, 108-117.
Nunn, P.D. 1994. Oceanic Islands. Oxford, Blackwell.
Nunn, P.D. 1998. Pacific Island Landscapes. Suva, Fiji: Institute of Pacific Studies, The University of the South Pacific.
Nunn, P.D. 1999. Environmental Change in the Pacific Basin: chronologies, causes, consequences. London: Wiley.
27

Nunn, P.D. 2005. Reconstructing tropical paleoshorelines using archaeological data: examples from the Fiji
Archipelago, southwest Pacific. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue 42, 15-25.
Nunn, P.D. 2007. Space and place in an ocean of islands: thoughts on the attitudes of the Lapita people towards
islands and their colonization. South Pacific Studies, 27, 24-35. Nunn, P.D., Kumar, R., Matararaba, S. and
Ishimura, T. 2006a. The earliest human settlement in the Fiji Islands. Domodomo (Journal of the Fiji Museum), 19,
27-33.
Nunn, P.D., Matararaba, S., Kumar, R., Pene, C. Yuen, L. and Pastorizo, M.R. 2006b. Lapita on an island in the
mangroves? The earliest human occupation at Qoqo Island, southwest Viti Levu, Fiji. Archaeology in New
Zealand, 49, 205-212. Nunn, P.D., Kumar, R., Matararaba, S., Ishimura, T., Seeto, J., Rayawa, S., Kuruyawa, S.,
Nasila, A., Oloni, B., Rati Ram, A., Saunivalu, P., Singh, P. and Tegu, E. 2004. Early Lapita settlement site at
Bourewa, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji. Archaeology in Oceania, 39, 139-143.
Nunn, P.D., Pene, C., Matararaba, S., Kumar, R., Singh, P., Dredregasa, I., Gwilliam, M., Heorake, T.,
Kuilanisautabu, L., Nakoro, E., Narayan, L., Pastorizo, M.R., Robinson, S., Saunivalu, P. and Tamani, F. 2005.
Human occupations of caves of the Rove Peninsula, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji. South Pacific Journal of
Natural Science, 23, 16-23.Summerhayes, G. 2000. Lapita Interaction. Canberra: Australian National University.
Yu, K-F., Zhao, J-X., Collerson, K.D., Shi, Q., Chen, T-G., Wang, P-X. and Liu, T-S. 2004. Storm cycles in the last
millennium recorded in Yongshu Reef, southern South China Sea. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology,
Palaeoecology, 210, 89-100.
28

EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST
Essential Items
This Expedition Briefing
Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary and credit cards in case the originals are lost or stolen; the
copies should be packed separately from the original documents
Passport and/or visa (if necessary)
Certification of inoculation (if necessary)
Clothing/Footwear for Fieldwork
Required Items
Note: Light-colored and loose-fitting cotton clothing is highly recommended.
Lightweight, quick-drying shirts
Lightweight, quick-drying pants
Light field boots or trainers/sneakers for excavation
Broad-brimmed hat
Rain jacket or poncho
Shorts
T-shirts
Clothing/Footwear for Leisure
Note: Clothing worn in the village should cover shoulders and legs above the knees.
One set of clothing appropriate for attending church, if desired (shirt and pants for men and long dresses
with sleeves or long skirts and sleeved tops for women)
Flip-flops or sandals
Sulu/Lavalava (wrap-around cloth to wear in the village)
Field Supplies
Notebook and writing materials
Small daypack/rucksack
Headlamp and/or flashlight
Spare batteries
Drybag or plastic sealable bags (e.g. Ziploc) for protecting equipment such as camera from dust, humidity,
and water
Insect repellent
Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher
Sunglasses
29

Personal Supplies
Note: Linens and blankets will be provided.
Spending money in Fiji currency
Towel
Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos are recommended)
Toilet paper (you may want to buy a four-pack in Nadi to bring with you)
Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for “washing” hands while in the field)
Personal First Aid kit (e.g. anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics, antiseptic, itch-relief, antihistamines, pain reliever,
bandages, blister covers, etc.) and personal medications
Sanitary pads or tampons if necessary
Packet of soap powder for washing clothes by hand (biodegradable detergent is recommended)
Optional Items
Camera, film/memory card(s), extra camera battery
Extra carton of water if you want to supplement the provided treated water (you can purchase Fiji Water in
Nadi)
Earplugs for light sleepers
Sleeping bag
Small mirror for personal use
Soft pillow (most pillows in Vusama are made of hard foam)
Cushion/Pad to sit on in the village houses (you will need to sit on hard floors for prolonged periods)
Knee pads for excavation work (a foam gardeners’ knee cushion can double for excavation work and for
sitting on the hard floors in the village)
Recharger, adapter and power-surge protector for electronics
Mosquito coils and matches (can be purchased in Nadi)
Small bag of candies for the children of your host family (can be purchased in Nadi)
Farewell gifts for your host family (perhaps two extra large t-shirts, a towel or a small wall hanging or
calendar from your home country/region)
Snacks and an airtight plastic container to store them
Travel guidebook
Fijian language phrasebook
Book, journal, art supplies, etc. to use during down time
30