3000 years of human occupation

The department of anthropology will host a very interesting public lecture on January 18, one that brings guest lecturer Scott Fitzpatrick from the University of Oregon to campus to discuss human activity and biological diversity on the Western Caroline Islands of Micronesia:

The Palauan archipelago--considered to be on of the most ecologically diverse regions of the world-- is located in the northwest tropical Pacific and consists of hundreds of different island types, ranging from ones larger and mostly volcanic, to the much smaller atolls and uplifted limestone "Rock Islands". Just offshore from the largest island of Babeldaob lies the small, nondescript island of Orrak where archaeological research began over a decade ago at the Chelechol ra Orrak rockshelter. Somewhat surprisingly, the site has revealed an astounding array of human activities, from its use as one of the oldest burial sites in the Pacific dating back to ca. 3000 BP, to subsequent use as a campsite and later as a limestone quarry for Yapese islanders to carve their famous stone money.

Micronesia is a fascinating part of the world for many reasons and there is much to learn about it. Put Baldwin Hall 4:30 p.m. on your calendar for January 18th.