Pulemelei Mound

[4][5] Archeological work at the Pulemelei Mound was conducted during 3 field season 2002–2004 by Dr. Helene Martinsson-Wallin (leader of excavation) and Dr. Paul Wallin of Kon-Tiki Museum and Dr. Geoffrey Clark of the Australian National University and plus twenty men from the nearby Vailoa under supervision of the landowners Nelson inc.

The purpose of the excavation was to understand the chronology of the mound and surrounding settlement and its relationship to the origin and development of the Polynesian chiefdoms and stratification in Samoa.

After removal of the secondary canopy a digital map was created to allow detailed description of the mound and expose whatever degree of structural degeneration it may have.

The excavators have interpreted the mound as an important central place and ceremonial site tied to the stratification of the Samoan society.

Through more radiocarbon dating the researchers also determined that "the addition of the top platform is likely to be contemporary with the construction of the Umu ti and the pavement/house on the south side of the Pulemelei mound.