Ohuolukorrast

Ohuolukorrast is a term that refers to a group of ancient lithic artifacts found predominantly in the southeastern outskirts of the Ohuolo archipelago in the western Pacific basin. First documented by early 20th‑century explorers, the artifacts have since been catalogued by the National Institute of Archaeological Studies (NIAS) as a distinct typology within the broader context of Austronesian rock art traditions.

Morphologically, ohuolukorrast pieces are typically translucent quartzite plates, each ranging from 15 to 35 centimeters in length, with incised geometric patterns that include spirals, linear grids, and stylised human silhouettes. The incisions are believed to have been executed with a flint blade or basalt tool, evidenced by microstriations along the edge of the plates. Terminology used to describe the patterns—such as "korrast" denoting a specific spiral motif—has become a standard part of the descriptive lexicon in regional archaeological literature.

The prevailing scholarly consensus positions the creation of ohuolukorrast between 1200 BC and 400 BC, based on relative dating methods applied to nearby volcanic strata and radiocarbon data from associated organic material. Some researchers hypothesize that these artifacts played a ceremonial role in the early maritime societies of the archipelago, possibly serving as navigational charts or as symbolic representations of cosmological beliefs.

While the functional purpose of ohuolukorrast remains debated, studies published in the Journal of Oceania Archaeology have highlighted their artistic complexity and potential influence on subsequent regional artefact assemblages. Current conservation efforts by the Pacific Heritage Trust focus on preventing surface erosion and cataloguing the existing collection for future comparative research.

The combination of unique material composition, distinctive artistic style, and cultural significance makes ohuolukorrast an important subject of study for those interested in the palaeoanthropology of the Southeast Asian Pacific region.