We have obtained high-resolution elemental data on Lapita ceramics (3200 -2700 cal year BP ) from Fiji, Tonga and New Ireland using chemistry-based inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These data show clear elemental distinctions between Lapita pottery manufactured in Fiji, Tonga and New Ireland, and demonstrate significant elemental variation in Fijian ceramics collected from settlements in close proximity to one another. Therefore, we anticipate that ICP-MS will become an effective technique for tracking the transfer of Lapita pottery within and between different island groups in Oceania.

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