Prehistoric relationships between Southeast Asia and Melanesia

Abstract

That there has been a long cultural connection between Southeast Asia and Melanesia is generally conceded. An example of this is the radiocarbon date of 31,000 years ago from Australia. And since Man undoubtedly arrived in Australia via New Guinea from Southeast Asia, the time span is long indeed. However, the detailed nature of such relationships remains to be demonstrated due to their temporal and cultural complexity. There are many cultural traits that may be used for comparative purposes. In this short paper I shall confine my discussion to pottery. While pottery won't tell the entire story of population movements and migration routes, it is the best single cultural trait for such purpose. The study of pottery forms and decoration, and techniques of manufacture is also very useful in the search for internal relationships and possible sources of pottery of the various regions and island groups of Southeast Asia and Melanesia.