New Britain

The largest island of the Bismarck Archipelago, southwestern Pacific, in Papua New Guinea. Archaeological discoveries include stone pestles and mortars like those from the New Guinea Highlands, an undated industry of waisted flaked tools from Kandrian, and the first discovered Lapita site (Watom Island. The Talasea obsidian source, the most important in the southwestern Pacific and quarried since at least 9000 BC, is on New Britain. The island was probably settled by Papuan-speakers from New Guinea before 9000 BC.

The main island of the Bismarck Archipelago, northeast of New Guinea. Archaeological discoveries include stone pestles and mortars like those from the New Guinea Highlands, an undated industry of waisted flaked tools from Kandrian, and the first discovered Lapita site (on Watom Island, 1909). Also on New Britain is the Talasea obsidian source, the most important in the southwestern Pacific and quarried since at least 9000 be (see obsidian). The island was probably settled by Papuan-speakers from New Guinea before 9000 be (see Balof Cave, Misisil Cave). New