American Samoan government employees digging an area in Pavaiai village to lay a new sewer line have uncovered the remains of an ancient village.
The remains were found about two metres below the surface under more than a metre of volcanic ash.
The senior archaeologist for the American Samoa Power Authority, David Addison, is quoted by the Samoa News as saying he believes the ashes are from the now dormant Olovalu Volcano
Mr Addison , says the excavation has already revealed "a lot of pottery, including decorated pottery."
He says the remains are estimated to be between 1500 and 2000 years old, which would make them the oldest to be found in American Samoa
