book chapter

Niuatoputapu: the prehistory of a Polynesian chiefdom

Burke Museum • (5) • Published In 1988 • Pages: i-ix, 1-273

By: Kirch, Patrick Vinton.

Abstract
Kirch conducted an archaeological survey of the island and excavated several sites and many mounds. Kirch also conducted botanical, faunal, and geological surveys of the island and of the the surrounding sea to understand the various resources of the island. The artifacts found are analyzed and the ceramics and adzes are typed to help date the sites and produce a sequence for Niuatoputapu island. Kirch then examines some of the interactions that occurred between Niuatoputapu and Tafahi and the rest of Tonga and in western Polynesia. This source discusses the archaeology of Niuatoputapu from initial the initial Lapita settlement to the historic period. Where possible, the document was not marked with OCM subjects (Outline of Cultural Materials) for the Lapita data. However, as the sites are not well stratified, it was frequently not possible to separate the earlier Lapita data from the later Polynesian Plainware data. For instance, there are two decorative techniques that are not indicative of the Lapita tradition. They are incising and notching that are found on the lip of ceramic vessel. These techniques were indexed for OCM subjects where is was clear Kirch was discussing these two techniques specifically. Otherwise, ceramic decoration (which indicates the Lapita tradition) was not indexed for OCM subjects.
Subjects
Miscellaneous structures
Ceramic technology
Archaeological excavation methods
General tools
Geography
tradition
Tongan
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Polynesia
Document Type
book chapter
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2008
Field Date
1976
Coverage Date
3200 BP-400 BP (1200 B.C.-1600 BP)
Coverage Place
Niuatoputapu, Tonga
Notes
Patrick Vinton Kirch
Includes bibliographical references (p. [261]-269)
LCCN
88007482
LCSH
Prehistoric peoples--Tonga--Niuatoputapu Island/Polynesians--Antiquities/Niuatoputapu Island (Tonga)--Antiquities/Tonga--Antiquities