The To'aga Site

Thickware potshard from American Samoa.

NPS photo.

The To'aga Archeological Site on Ofu: Uncovering 3,000 Years of History

The To’aga site on the island of Ofu is one of the most important archeological sites in Samoa, offering a rich and continuous record of human occupation spanning nearly 3,000 years. This deeply stratified site provides invaluable insights into the ancient history of the Samoan people, their environment, and the impacts of early human activity on the island’s ecosystem. The site is particularly notable for its long sequence of ceramics, dating back more than three millennia, and its evidence of early landscape and biota modifications.

The Archeological Significance of To'aga

The To’aga site covers an exceptionally long period of Samoan archeology, from about 3,200 to 1,900 years before the present. The site is especially rich in artifacts and environmental evidence from the early period of human settlement, making it a focal point for understanding the development of Samoan society and the ways in which early inhabitants interacted with their environment.

• Ceramic Findings: Archeologists have uncovered a long and continuous sequence of ceramics, dating back over 3,000 years. These ceramics provide a timeline for understanding the progression of human culture and technological advances in pottery across millennia. Similar to other Pacific island sites, the findings at To’aga show how early Samoan people used the island’s resources to create tools and everyday items.

• Landscape and Biota Changes: The early peoples of Ofu significantly altered the landscape and the local ecosystem, as seen in the earliest strata at To’aga. Archeologists discovered middens—refuse heaps that contain the remains of meals and other waste—that contained the bones of birds that no longer inhabit the island. These included species such as petrels and shearwaters, which were heavily exploited for food by the island’s early occupants.

Extinct Species on Ofu

One of the key discoveries at the To’aga site was the evidence of bird species that were once plentiful on Ofu but have since been driven to extinction due to human activity. Among the species identified in the archeological layers were:

• Megapode (Megapodius sp.)
• Wedge-tailed Shearwater
• Audubon's Shearwater
• Sooty Shearwater
• Tahiti Petrel and an unidentified petrel
• Red-footed Booby

These species, now absent from Ofu, provide evidence of the impact of early human settlement on the island’s fragile ecosystem. Similar to other Pacific islands, human activity, particularly hunting and habitat modification, led to the depletion or extinction of these bird populations. Archeological evidence from To’aga mirrors findings across the Pacific, where early human settlers significantly affected local wildlife, especially vulnerable bird species like petrels and shearwaters.

The To'aga Site Study

A comprehensive study of the To’aga site was published in The To’aga Site, edited by P.V. Kirch and T.L. Hunt. This study, funded by the Samoa Historic Preservation Office with support from the National Park Service, documented the site’s findings in detail, contributing significantly to the field of Pacific Island archeology.

• The Role of Archeology and Anthropology: Archeologists at the To'aga site work alongside anthropologists to piece together the history of the Samoan people. Archeologists use physical evidence—such as artifacts, pottery, and remains found at the site—to reconstruct life in ancient Samoa. Meanwhile, anthropologists complement this work by recording oral histories and studying cultural practices. Together, these two fields help create a fuller picture of life in Samoa thousands of years ago.

Ancestral Connections and Continuing Traditions

Though the To’aga site is no longer occupied today, its significance continues through the deeply held spiritual beliefs of the local Samoan community. According to oral traditions, the aitu—the spirits of ancestors—are said to inhabit the ancient grounds of To’aga. These spiritual connections reflect the Samoan belief in the presence of their ancestors, a tradition that underscores the enduring link between the past and the present.

• Honoring Ancestral Spirits: The belief in the presence of aitu at To’aga is part of a broader Samoan tradition that respects and honors the spiritual world. For many Samoans, the spirits of their ancestors remain a vital part of their cultural and spiritual lives, influencing how they view and care for significant historical sites like To'aga.

• Cultural Continuity: These beliefs highlight the deep connection between the Samoan people and their ancestral lands. While archeologists study the physical evidence of past societies, oral traditions help preserve the spiritual significance of these ancient places, ensuring that the cultural heritage of Samoa remains alive and respected.

The Importance of the To'aga Site

The To’aga site is more than just a window into the ancient past—it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and their environment. The extinction of species like the shearwater and the megapode reveals the profound impacts early human settlers had on the ecosystems they inhabited. These lessons from the past are crucial for understanding the importance of conservation and sustainability today.

Through the ongoing work of archeologists, anthropologists, and local communities, the To’aga site continues to offer new insights into Samoa’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors to the National Park of American Samoa are encouraged to learn more about this unique site and the important role it plays in preserving Samoa’s history.