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Escal Isles: Difference between revisions
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A near-beach settlement on the northern coast of Selangai was excavated beginning in the late 20th century, probably from a very early settlement phase. Food remains from the waste pits suggest that the inhabitants fed mainly on shellfish (fish, mussels, crustaceans) from the lagoon. Other food animals included pigs, chickens and rat. The processing of mussel shells, probably also for the exchange of goods with other settlements, was an integral part of the economy. Dating of charcoal remains yielded dates of 1053 (±150 years) and 1113 (±50 years). According to the current state of research, an initial settlement of the Escal Isles can be assumed at the beginning of the second millennium AD. | A near-beach settlement on the northern coast of Selangai was excavated beginning in the late 20th century, probably from a very early settlement phase. Food remains from the waste pits suggest that the inhabitants fed mainly on shellfish (fish, mussels, crustaceans) from the lagoon. Other food animals included pigs, chickens and rat. The processing of mussel shells, probably also for the exchange of goods with other settlements, was an integral part of the economy. Dating of charcoal remains yielded dates of 1053 (±150 years) and 1113 (±50 years). According to the current state of research, an initial settlement of the Escal Isles can be assumed at the beginning of the second millennium AD. | ||
=== Indigenous civilizations === | === Indigenous civilizations === | ||
The first recorded settlers of the Escal Isles were Austronesians known as the [[Sivumawai]] in the 11th century. | The first recorded settlers of the Escal Isles were Austronesians known as the [[Sivumawai]] in the 11th century. They possess an indigenous account of their history, mostly in oral literature, partly in writing in ''papan turai'' (wooden records), and partly in common cultural customary practices. | ||
=== First arrival of Occidentals (1331-1413 | |||
The first Sivumawai settlements appeared to have had no national government or national leader; chiefs and heads of families exercised authority over segments of the population. Initially, they settled in caves and rock ledges near the coast and eventually a stratified tribal society developed rapidly in settlements near the beach. The structure of the settlements reflected the social order; there were strictly separate dwellings, built of perishable materials, for the aristocracy, the priests, the middle class (artisans, artists), warriors, adolescents and pubescent girls. Eventually, a succession of ''Kānei'' (kings) began to rule over these coastal settlements, beginning with KING DIPSHIT, however due to increasing tribal warfare, the beach settlements were abandoned relatively quickly. The inhabitants retreated to heavily fortified settlements in the inland hills. The Sivumawai made a living by fishing, collecting shellfish, hunting birds, and gardening. They relied heavily on breadfruit but raised at least 32 other introduced crops. Hard evidence of significant pre-Occidental inter-archipelago trade has been found in basalt from nearby quarry islands, which was known to have been distributed via sailing canoes over distances of more than 2500 km to provide adze heads all over the Australis region. | |||
By the 12th century, | |||
=== First arrival of Occidentals (1331-1413 === | |||
=== Dark Period (1413-1592) === | === Dark Period (1413-1592) === | ||
==== Davuavu Event ==== | ==== Davuavu Event ==== | ||