Review of Historical Ecology in the Pacific Islands: Prehistoric Environmental and Landscape Change, by P. V. Kirch and T. L. Hunt (eds.); People of the Great Ocean: Aspects of Human Biology of the Early Pacific, by Philip Houghton; Arts of Vanuatu, by Joel Bonnemaison, Christian Kaufmann, Kirk H...more
Rapport fran arkeologisk undersokning i Rojrskogen 2010 : Gotland, Garda och Lau sn. Goks 1:8, RAA Garda 1:2-3 och Lau 41:1
Research Interests: Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Bronze Age Archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Early Iron Age, and 15 moreBronze Age, Society, Burial Cairns, Ship Setting, Cairn, Monument Bronze Age, Boats, Gotland, Ships, Ship Settings, Sescape, Maritime Landscape, Mound, South Construction, and Pre roman Iron Age Grave
The aim of this initial study is two-folded. One aim is to discuss the large Early BronzeAge cairns on Gotland from a perspective of the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Another is to make contextual studies of the sites... more
The aim of this initial study is two-folded. One aim is to discuss the large Early BronzeAge cairns on Gotland from a perspective of the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Another is to make contextual studies of the sites with large cairns and try to understand ...
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" Undersökningen ingår i Helene Martinsson-Wallins forskningsprojekt kallat ”Med rituella förtecken” samt Joakim Wehlins doktorandprojekt med arbetsnamnet ”Beyond Borders of the... more
" Undersökningen ingår i Helene Martinsson-Wallins forskningsprojekt kallat ”Med rituella förtecken” samt Joakim Wehlins doktorandprojekt med arbetsnamnet ”Beyond Borders of the Baltic Sea”. Undersökningen är delvis en fortsättning av den som gjordes vid Uggarderojrröset av Martinsson-Wallin sommaren 2009 Martinsson-Wallin och Wehlin 2009, Martinsson-Wallin 2010)."
Research Interests: Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Bronze Age Archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Early Iron Age, and 15 moreBronze Age, Society, Burial Cairns, Ship Setting, Cairn, Monument Bronze Age, Boats, Gotland, Ships, Ship Settings, Sescape, Maritime Landscape, Mound, South Construction, and Pre roman Iron Age Grave
Fifty years ago, Heyerdahl and Skjølsvold (1956, 1990) collected material from five archaeological sites in the Galápagos Islands. They retained earthenwares of possible precolumbian origin and discarded ceramic, metal, and glass... more
Fifty years ago, Heyerdahl and Skjølsvold (1956, 1990) collected material from five archaeological sites in the Galápagos Islands. They retained earthenwares of possible precolumbian origin and discarded ceramic, metal, and glass artifacts postdating the arrival of the Spanish in A.D. 1535. Consequently, they argued that each site was formed as the results of a series of discard events from unrelated short-term occupations extending from the precolumbian to the historical era, and that the earthenwares represented occasional visits by fishermen from precolumbian Peru and Ecuador. In 2005, we re-excavated the sites and collected all the excavated materials. Our results show that each class of material, irrespective of age or origin, was distributed spatially and stratigraphically in the same pattern, contradicting the former assumption of multiple, unrelated occupations. We reject the palimpsest model in favor of the null hypothesis of single-phase site occupation. Analysis of putati...
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Tonga was unique in the prehistoric Pacific for developing a maritime state that integrated the archipelago under a centralized authority and for undertaking long-distance economic and political exchanges in the second millennium A.D. To... more
Tonga was unique in the prehistoric Pacific for developing a maritime state that integrated the archipelago under a centralized authority and for undertaking long-distance economic and political exchanges in the second millennium A.D. To establish the extent of Tonga's maritime polity, we geochemically analyzed stone tools excavated from the central places of the ruling paramounts, particularly lithic artifacts associated with stone-faced chiefly tombs. The lithic networks of the Tongan state focused on Samoa and Fiji, with one adze sourced to the Society Islands 2,500 km from Tongatapu. To test the hypothesis that nonlocal lithics were especially valued by Tongan elites and were an important source of political capital, we analyzed prestate lithics from Tongatapu and stone artifacts from Samoa. In the Tongan state, 66% of worked stone tools were long-distance imports, indicating that interarchipelago connections intensified with the development of the Tongan polity after A.D. 1...
Research Interests: Ancient History, Geography, Prehistoric Archaeology, Anthropology, Ancient Greek History, and 11 moreMultidisciplinary, Pacific Archaeology, Humans, Tonga, Samoa, Development of complex societies, Islands, Pacific ocean, Archaeology and Exchange, Geologic Sediments, and Prehistoric Regional Interaction
In this paper, we discuss the easternmost material expression of the Funnel Beaker Culture – a megalith grave on the west coast of Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea. The people who built and used the megalith brought the Neolithic... more
In this paper, we discuss the easternmost material expression of the Funnel Beaker Culture – a megalith grave on the west coast of Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea. The people who built and used the megalith brought the Neolithic lifestyle to Gotland. The biography of this monument includes two excavations, of which we participated in the latest in 1984. Our osteological analysis confirms that some thirty individuals of both sexes and various ages were buried there. The structure of the monument is that of a rectangular dolmen. This paper discusses the discovery of this specific site, and explores the existence of this type of monument in a Gotland context. Furthermore, is this really the only megalith on Gotland, or are more of these structures yet to be recognised? Finally, one may ask if the Neolithic way of life really was successful on Gotland.
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Samoa joined UNESCO in 1981 and ratified the World Heritage Convention on the 28 th of August 2001. Samoa is currently in the process of a World Heritage application since two sites were nominated to the tentative list in 2006. These two... more
Samoa joined UNESCO in 1981 and ratified the World Heritage Convention on the 28 th of August 2001. Samoa is currently in the process of a World Heritage application since two sites were nominated to the tentative list in 2006. These two are mixed sites (cultural and ...
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ABSTRACT In the orthodox model of change in East Polynesian material culture, the riseofmonumentalceremonial sites is predicted as occurring earlier in the central archipelagos than at the margins. We have used existing and new... more
ABSTRACT In the orthodox model of change in East Polynesian material culture, the riseofmonumentalceremonial sites is predicted as occurring earlier in the central archipelagos than at the margins. We have used existing and new radiocarbon dates from marae and ahu respectively to test this proposition in relation to the Society Islands and Easter Island (Rapa Nui). The data contradict the anticipated trend by showing that the initial phase of complex ceremonial sites began earlier, ca. cal AD 1300–1400 on Rapa Nui than in the Societies, ca. cal AD 1400–1600. Different explanations are canvassed. The sample size used here is still quite small; future investigations and larger sample sizes may change or confirm the results.
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A HISTORIC AL PERSPECTIVE ONTHE RESTORATION AND RE-CONSTRUCTION OF CEREMONIAL SITES ON RAPA NUI (EASTER ISLAND) - A DISCUSSION OF THE RECYCLING OF STONES WITH 'MANA Helene Martinsson-Wallin The Коп-Tiki Museum, Institute for... more
A HISTORIC AL PERSPECTIVE ONTHE RESTORATION AND RE-CONSTRUCTION OF CEREMONIAL SITES ON RAPA NUI (EASTER ISLAND) - A DISCUSSION OF THE RECYCLING OF STONES WITH 'MANA Helene Martinsson-Wallin The Коп-Tiki Museum, Institute for Pacific ...
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This paper discusses post-colonial perspectives on archaeology and studies of materiality in the Pacific. It uses the Pulemelei investigations at Letolo plantation on Savai'i Island in Samoa as a case study, including events and... more
This paper discusses post-colonial perspectives on archaeology and studies of materiality in the Pacific. It uses the Pulemelei investigations at Letolo plantation on Savai'i Island in Samoa as a case study, including events and activities that have taken place after the ...
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The aim of this initial study is two-folded. One aim is to discuss the large Early BronzeAge cairns on Gotland from a perspective of the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Another is to make contextual studies of the sites... more
The aim of this initial study is two-folded. One aim is to discuss the large Early BronzeAge cairns on Gotland from a perspective of the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Another is to make contextual studies of the sites with large cairns and try to understand ...
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In West Polynesia, monumental structures with a volume ≥ 2500 m 2 include mounds of earth or stone that in traditional history were used to house or bury chiefs, as well as being the focus of ceremonial and religious activity. We review... more
In West Polynesia, monumental structures with a volume ≥ 2500 m 2 include mounds of earth or stone that in traditional history were used to house or bury chiefs, as well as being the focus of ceremonial and religious activity. We review archaeological theory about the initiation ...
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ABSTRACT Cultural Heritage in Samoa “E mana'o i le vao, ae, fefe i le aitu” [We Want the Forest, Yet Fear the Spirits] is a Samoan proverb used by Malama Meleisea (1980:21) to describe the contradiction between the development and... more
ABSTRACT Cultural Heritage in Samoa “E mana'o i le vao, ae, fefe i le aitu” [We Want the Forest, Yet Fear the Spirits] is a Samoan proverb used by Malama Meleisea (1980:21) to describe the contradiction between the development and culture in Samoa. As chiefdom and family based society the oral traditions are very important and intimately tied to titles/genealogies and land. Archaeology dealing with the past material remains is a young science, which has mainly developed in the Pacific area, since the 1950's and onwards by non-Polynesians (Emory et al. 1959; Heyerdahl and Ferdon 1961; Gifford 1951; Gifford and Shutler 1956; Kirch 2000). Prior to the archaeological research, traditional history comprising of genealogies, legends and mythology provided the evidences/explanations for origin, migration and structure of the past and contemporary societies. To be an orator chief (tulafale) who handles the “high” language well, and are careful custodians of the honorifics (fa'alupega) gives high status in the society.
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This paper describes the history of archaeology carried out in the Samoan islands. Two archaeological programs under the leadership of Roger Green in the 1960s and Jesse Jennings in the 1970s have laid a firm foundation for the... more
This paper describes the history of archaeology carried out in the Samoan islands. Two archaeological programs under the leadership of Roger Green in the 1960s and Jesse Jennings in the 1970s have laid a firm foundation for the understanding of Samoan prehistory from an ...
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ABSTRACT This paper explores the extensive prehistoric settlement pattern at the Letolo plantation. Using the results of earlier research we use a correspondence analysis to investigate variation in the settlement pattern particularly... more
ABSTRACT This paper explores the extensive prehistoric settlement pattern at the Letolo plantation. Using the results of earlier research we use a correspondence analysis to investigate variation in the settlement pattern particularly differences between coastal and inland locations.
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ABSTRACT Pulemelei mound on Savai'i Island in Samoa is thought to be the largest freestanding stone structure in Polynesia. The mound and adjacent structures in the Letolo plantation have been the focus of archaeological... more
ABSTRACT Pulemelei mound on Savai'i Island in Samoa is thought to be the largest freestanding stone structure in Polynesia. The mound and adjacent structures in the Letolo plantation have been the focus of archaeological investigation from 2002 to 2004. Initial survey work at the site in the 1960s and 1970s was used to investigate the prehistoric settlement pattern, but our recent investigations comprise the first large-scale archaeological investigation of a monumental complex in Samoa. Our study examined the chronology ...
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The remains indicate subsistence based on seal hunting and fishing. Since human skeletal remains are found in the cave deposits and the distribution of seals hunted at various seasons are indicated (Storå, 2001) the bones has been... more
The remains indicate subsistence based on seal hunting and fishing. Since human skeletal remains are found in the cave deposits and the distribution of seals hunted at various seasons are indicated (Storå, 2001) the bones has been interpreted as intentional burials and that there could have been an around the year occupation (Lindqvist and Possnert, 1999). Another possibility is that Stora Karlsö and the cave of Stora förvar (great storage place)(Fig. 1) was a special site used occasionally, but around the year by groups from ...
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Résumé/Abstract This paper describes the results of archaeological excavations in the Pulemelei mound on Savai'i, thought to be the largest freestanding stone structure in Polynesia, in 2002-4. These excavations comprise the first... more
Résumé/Abstract This paper describes the results of archaeological excavations in the Pulemelei mound on Savai'i, thought to be the largest freestanding stone structure in Polynesia, in 2002-4. These excavations comprise the first large-scale archaeological investigation of a monumental complex in Samoa. We examine the chronology and function of the large mound and other structures.
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På Uggarderojrområdet finns ett antal stora rösen som sannolikt härstammar från äldre bronsåldern. Bland dessa finns Gotlands största rösen (ca. 50x50x7 m), kallat Uggarderöset. En arkeologisk undersökning gjordes 2009 av en stensättning,... more
På Uggarderojrområdet finns ett antal stora rösen som sannolikt härstammar från äldre bronsåldern. Bland dessa finns Gotlands största rösen (ca. 50x50x7 m), kallat Uggarderöset. En arkeologisk undersökning gjordes 2009 av en stensättning, en skärvstenshög och ...
Research Interests: Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Ritual, Phenomenology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), and 15 moreBronze Age Archaeology, Archaeoastronomy, Megalithic Monuments, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Landscape, Heritage interpretation, Bronze Age, Belief Systems, Cairn, Bronze Age Gotland, Gotland, Uggarde, Uggårde, The Uses of Archaeology, and History of Archaeological Theory
During field work in 2005 our attention was drawn to an interesting prehistoric remain at the Malaefono organicplantation close to Salei'moa village on 'Upolu. Several stone platforms/stone heaps and remains have been reported... more
During field work in 2005 our attention was drawn to an interesting prehistoric remain at the Malaefono organicplantation close to Salei'moa village on 'Upolu. Several stone platforms/stone heaps and remains have been reported removed due to farming activities during the last ...
Research Interests: Archaeology, Pacific Island Studies, Landscape Archaeology, Phenomenology, Polynesian Studies, and 15 morePolynesia, Archaeoastronomy, Megalithic Monuments, Pacific Archaeology, Heritage interpretation, Belief Systems, Samoa, Polynesia Archaeology, Archaeology of Polynesia, Gotland, Platform design, Samoan Architecture, Samoan Culture, Malaefono, and History of Archaeological Theory
Résumé/Abstract We examine radiocarbon dates from Samoan archaeological sites using the fourfold division of Samoan prehistory established by Green (2002). The context of dating samples was assessed to recognize potentially"... more
Résumé/Abstract We examine radiocarbon dates from Samoan archaeological sites using the fourfold division of Samoan prehistory established by Green (2002). The context of dating samples was assessed to recognize potentially" reliable" determinations in the Samoan 14 C corpus. Radiocarbon dates associated with earth and stone structures were identified to one of four phases of construction/use to develop a chronology for the emergence and use of domestic and monumental architecture. The 17 radiocarbon ...