A woman buried in Vanuatu in the Early Prehistoric era

Approximately 2,900 years ago, the archipelago now known as Vanuatu was a key location for the expansion of Austronesian-speaking peoples across the Pacific. This period marks an important era in the history of Melanesia, characterized by the spread of culture, technology, and new ways of life that were part of the wider Lapita cultural complex.

Geography and Environment

Vanuatu during this time was much as it is today: a series of islands scattered across the South Pacific. The climate was tropical, with a mix of volcanic high islands and smaller, lower coral atolls. The fertile volcanic soil, lush rainforests, and abundant marine resources provided a rich environment for settlement and subsistence.

The Lapita Culture

The people of Vanuatu around 2,900 years ago were part of the Lapita culture, a society distinguished by its uniquely decorated pottery. The Lapita people are considered the ancestors of many modern Pacific Islanders. They are renowned for their navigational skills and were among the first to sail across vast stretches of ocean, colonizing remote islands.

Pottery and Artifacts: The Lapita pottery was characterized by intricate geometric designs, often made using dentate stamping. These artifacts have been crucial in identifying Lapita sites throughout the Pacific. Beyond pottery, they crafted tools from materials like stone, bone, and shell.

Social Structure and Settlements: Settlements during this time were likely organized into villages, often located near the coast where resources were readily available. Social structures were built around kinship, with extended families likely functioning as the primary social unit.

Subsistence and Economy

The economy of Vanuatu in this era was predominantly subsistence-based, relying heavily on both marine and terrestrial resources.

Agriculture: Agriculture was a cornerstone of Lapita sustenance, with root crops such as taro and yam cultivated alongside bananas and coconuts.

Fishing and Maritime Skills: The surrounding ocean provided an abundant supply of fish and other marine life, supplementing the diet and reinforcing the maritime nature of the society. The Lapita people are known to have been skilled at constructing outrigger canoes, which allowed them to travel and fish efficiently.

Inter-island Connections

Vanuatu’s location made it a critical juncture for inter-island trade and interaction. The Austronesian expansion carried not only people but also plants and animals across the Pacific. There is evidence of widespread trade networks and cultural exchanges between island groups, facilitated by advanced navigation techniques.

Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs

While specific details about the spiritual beliefs of Vanuatu's inhabitants from this period are scarce, it is likely they practiced animistic and ancestral worship traditions, similar to other Austronesian societies. Ritual sites and objects, such as those found at Lapita and other archaeological digs, suggest a complex spiritual life.

Legacy

The Austronesian expansion into Vanuatu marked a critical point in the human settlement of the Pacific. The legacy of the Lapita culture, with its skills in navigation, horticulture, and craftsmanship, laid the groundwork for the diverse cultures that would evolve in the Pacific Islands.

As the progenitors of the people who spread throughout much of Polynesia, Micronesia, and parts of Melanesia, the people settling Vanuatu were instrumental in the broader story of human exploration and adaptability. Today's Ni-Vanuatu people carry forward this rich heritage, embedded in languages, traditions, and the archaeological record scattered across the islands.