Through archaeological excavations and analysis using carbon dating, this study identified and dated agricultural implements from used in previous eras on the island of New Britain. The excavations were part of a larger project undertaken by the Archaeology Department of the University of Eastern Australia, with funding from the Australian Research Council. Tools were classified employing the functional typology developed by Harvey and Smith and were subject to carbon data techniques. The study found that the inhabitants of the region three or four hundred years ago used far more sophisticated tools that had been assumed. Particularly important was the use of iron and copper tools. Key to grading: Masters degrees with honours are graded overall as follows: First Class Honours (80-100) Second Class Honours Division A (70-79) Second Class Honours Division B (60-69) Third Class Honours (50-59) Additional course details: The Master of Arts course includes a compulsory unit on research methodology and research ethics, and satisfactory completion of a major thesis that is externally examined. Overseas Study The student undertook fieldwork in Papua New Guinea for one semester in 2002, with funding from research program supported by the Australian Research Council.