A large collection of artefacts and faunal material recovered 60 years ago from an excavation on ... more A large collection of artefacts and faunal material recovered 60 years ago from an excavation on the island of Motutapu, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand is described for the first time. The occupation site primarily functioned as an adze manufactory using a nearby source of indurated greywacke. Large numbers of adzes at various stages of manufacture through to fully polished form are present. Other artefacts are bone and shell fish hooks, lure shanks, bone needles, a bird spear point, a probable bull roarer, and a seal-tooth pendant. Faunal remains consist of shellfish, marine fish, sea mammals, and birds. The site has a complex stratigraphical history, but radiocarbon dates suggest a relatively brief period of occupation ranging from AD 1400 to 1500.
Une collection d'os de poissons provenant des fouilles du locus C50 à Fa'ahia (Huahine) est analy... more Une collection d'os de poissons provenant des fouilles du locus C50 à Fa'ahia (Huahine) est analysée et les résultats sont comparés à ceux d'une étude précédente de la faune provenant d'une aire adjacente du même site. Les prises du locus C50 sont dominées par le poisson-perroquet alors que, dans l'étude précédente, le thon était dominant. Un tel contraste entre des parties adjacentes du même site est des plus inhabituels dans le Pacifique. Diverses raisons possibles pour expliquer cette différence sont examinées ; une conclusion définitive doit attendre une compréhension plus complète de la nature de ce site archéologique remarquable. Abstract An archaeological assemblage of fish bones from excavations at Locus C50 at Fa'ahia on Huahine was analysed and the results
The rise of stratified societies fundamentally influences the interactions between status, moveme... more The rise of stratified societies fundamentally influences the interactions between status, movement, and food. Using isotopic analyses, we assess differences in diet and mobility of individuals excavated from two burial mounds located at the `Atele burial site on Tongatapu, the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga (c. 500 - 150 BP). The first burial mound (To-At-1) was classified by some archaeologists as a commoner's mound while the second burial mound (To-At-2) was possibly used for interment of the chiefly class. In this study, stable isotope analyses of diet (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S; n = 41) are used to asses paleodiet and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (n = 30) are analyzed to investigate individual mobility to test whether sex and social status affected these aspects of life. Our results show significant differences in diet between burial mounds and sexes. Those interred in To-At-2 displayed lower δ13C values, indicating they ate relatively more terrestrial plants (likely starchy vegetable ...
Kapkaps, Tridacna discs with turtle shell overlays, are a distinctive form of personal ornament i... more Kapkaps, Tridacna discs with turtle shell overlays, are a distinctive form of personal ornament in several parts of Melanesia. In northern Melanesia, from the Admiralty Islands to the northern Solomons, the turtle shell overlay is a circular fretwork, centrally placed; in the Santa Cruz group, a highly stylised Figure, often interpreted as a bird and/or Fish motif, is placed on the upper part of the disc, which in this area is always worn as a breast pendant. Various writers have reviewed the distribution of kapkaps and other kapkap-like ornaments in Melanesia and beyond (for example, Reichard 1933, Bodrogi 1961, Rose 1980). The relationship between the true kapkaps of northern Melanesia and the Santa Cruz discs has been debated inconclusively. Rose has suggested that good archaeological materials " might permit time-depth evaluations over broad areas " (Rose 1980:255). Excavations on Taumako, a Polynesian outlier on the eastern fringe of the Santa Cruz district, showed that the Tridacna shell disc itself has considerable antiquity in this part of Melanesia, and produced two examples of a form of amulet which may be ancestral to the Santa Cruz turtle shell overlays. The amulet can be interpreted as a bird-man, although other interpretations are also possible. We offer this short paper in honour of Ralph Bulmer and in memory of his interest in birds, bird-men, and people-carried-away-by-birds.
Calcite 30%, as rounded shell fragments, 0.5 mm. Matrix strong brown (7.5YR 4/8), many lenticular... more Calcite 30%, as rounded shell fragments, 0.5 mm. Matrix strong brown (7.5YR 4/8), many lenticular cracks parallel to surface of sherd.
The rise of stratified societies fundamentally influences the interactions between status, moveme... more The rise of stratified societies fundamentally influences the interactions between status, movement, and food. Using isotopic analyses, we assess differences in diet and mobility of individuals excavated from two burial mounds located at the `Atele burial site on Tongatapu, the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga (c. 500 - 150 BP). The first burial mound (To-At-1) was classified by some archaeologists as a commoner’s mound while the second burial mound (To-At-2) was possibly used for interment of the chiefly class. In this study, stable isotope analyses of diet (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S; n = 41) are used to asses paleodiet and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (n = 30) are analyzed to investigate individual mobility to test whether sex and social status affected these aspects of life. Our results show significant differences in diet between burial mounds and sexes. Those interred in To-At-2 displayed lower δ13C values, indicating they ate relatively more terrestrial plants (likely starchy vegetable staples) compared with To-At-1 individuals. Females displayed significantly lower δ15N values compared with males within the entire assemblage. No differences in δ34S values were observed between sexes or burial mound but it is possible that sea spray or volcanism may have affected these values. One individual displayed the strontium isotopic composition representative of a nonlocal immigrant (outside 2SD of the mean). This suggests the hegemonic control over interisland travel, may have prevented long-term access to the island by non-Tongans exemplifying the political and spiritual importance of the island of Tongatapu in the maritime chiefdom.
A large collection of artefacts and faunal material recovered 60 years ago from an excavation on ... more A large collection of artefacts and faunal material recovered 60 years ago from an excavation on the island of Motutapu, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand is described for the first time. The occupation site primarily functioned as an adze manufactory using a nearby source of indurated greywacke. Large numbers of adzes at various stages of manufacture through to fully polished form are present. Other artefacts are bone and shell fish hooks, lure shanks, bone needles, a bird spear point, a probable bull roarer, and a seal-tooth pendant. Faunal remains consist of shellfish, marine fish, sea mammals, and birds. The site has a complex stratigraphical history, but radiocarbon dates suggest a relatively brief period of occupation ranging from AD 1400 to 1500.
Une collection d'os de poissons provenant des fouilles du locus C50 à Fa'ahia (Huahine) est analy... more Une collection d'os de poissons provenant des fouilles du locus C50 à Fa'ahia (Huahine) est analysée et les résultats sont comparés à ceux d'une étude précédente de la faune provenant d'une aire adjacente du même site. Les prises du locus C50 sont dominées par le poisson-perroquet alors que, dans l'étude précédente, le thon était dominant. Un tel contraste entre des parties adjacentes du même site est des plus inhabituels dans le Pacifique. Diverses raisons possibles pour expliquer cette différence sont examinées ; une conclusion définitive doit attendre une compréhension plus complète de la nature de ce site archéologique remarquable. Abstract An archaeological assemblage of fish bones from excavations at Locus C50 at Fa'ahia on Huahine was analysed and the results
The rise of stratified societies fundamentally influences the interactions between status, moveme... more The rise of stratified societies fundamentally influences the interactions between status, movement, and food. Using isotopic analyses, we assess differences in diet and mobility of individuals excavated from two burial mounds located at the `Atele burial site on Tongatapu, the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga (c. 500 - 150 BP). The first burial mound (To-At-1) was classified by some archaeologists as a commoner's mound while the second burial mound (To-At-2) was possibly used for interment of the chiefly class. In this study, stable isotope analyses of diet (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S; n = 41) are used to asses paleodiet and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (n = 30) are analyzed to investigate individual mobility to test whether sex and social status affected these aspects of life. Our results show significant differences in diet between burial mounds and sexes. Those interred in To-At-2 displayed lower δ13C values, indicating they ate relatively more terrestrial plants (likely starchy vegetable ...
Kapkaps, Tridacna discs with turtle shell overlays, are a distinctive form of personal ornament i... more Kapkaps, Tridacna discs with turtle shell overlays, are a distinctive form of personal ornament in several parts of Melanesia. In northern Melanesia, from the Admiralty Islands to the northern Solomons, the turtle shell overlay is a circular fretwork, centrally placed; in the Santa Cruz group, a highly stylised Figure, often interpreted as a bird and/or Fish motif, is placed on the upper part of the disc, which in this area is always worn as a breast pendant. Various writers have reviewed the distribution of kapkaps and other kapkap-like ornaments in Melanesia and beyond (for example, Reichard 1933, Bodrogi 1961, Rose 1980). The relationship between the true kapkaps of northern Melanesia and the Santa Cruz discs has been debated inconclusively. Rose has suggested that good archaeological materials " might permit time-depth evaluations over broad areas " (Rose 1980:255). Excavations on Taumako, a Polynesian outlier on the eastern fringe of the Santa Cruz district, showed that the Tridacna shell disc itself has considerable antiquity in this part of Melanesia, and produced two examples of a form of amulet which may be ancestral to the Santa Cruz turtle shell overlays. The amulet can be interpreted as a bird-man, although other interpretations are also possible. We offer this short paper in honour of Ralph Bulmer and in memory of his interest in birds, bird-men, and people-carried-away-by-birds.
Calcite 30%, as rounded shell fragments, 0.5 mm. Matrix strong brown (7.5YR 4/8), many lenticular... more Calcite 30%, as rounded shell fragments, 0.5 mm. Matrix strong brown (7.5YR 4/8), many lenticular cracks parallel to surface of sherd.
The rise of stratified societies fundamentally influences the interactions between status, moveme... more The rise of stratified societies fundamentally influences the interactions between status, movement, and food. Using isotopic analyses, we assess differences in diet and mobility of individuals excavated from two burial mounds located at the `Atele burial site on Tongatapu, the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga (c. 500 - 150 BP). The first burial mound (To-At-1) was classified by some archaeologists as a commoner’s mound while the second burial mound (To-At-2) was possibly used for interment of the chiefly class. In this study, stable isotope analyses of diet (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S; n = 41) are used to asses paleodiet and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (n = 30) are analyzed to investigate individual mobility to test whether sex and social status affected these aspects of life. Our results show significant differences in diet between burial mounds and sexes. Those interred in To-At-2 displayed lower δ13C values, indicating they ate relatively more terrestrial plants (likely starchy vegetable staples) compared with To-At-1 individuals. Females displayed significantly lower δ15N values compared with males within the entire assemblage. No differences in δ34S values were observed between sexes or burial mound but it is possible that sea spray or volcanism may have affected these values. One individual displayed the strontium isotopic composition representative of a nonlocal immigrant (outside 2SD of the mean). This suggests the hegemonic control over interisland travel, may have prevented long-term access to the island by non-Tongans exemplifying the political and spiritual importance of the island of Tongatapu in the maritime chiefdom.
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Papers by Janet davidson
individuals excavated from two burial mounds located at the `Atele burial site on Tongatapu, the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga (c. 500 - 150 BP). The first burial mound (To-At-1)
was classified by some archaeologists as a commoner’s mound while the second burial mound (To-At-2) was possibly used for interment of the chiefly class. In this study, stable isotope analyses of diet (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S; n = 41) are used to asses paleodiet and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (n = 30) are analyzed to investigate individual mobility to test whether sex and social status affected these aspects of life. Our results show significant differences in diet between burial mounds and sexes. Those interred in To-At-2 displayed lower δ13C values, indicating they ate relatively more terrestrial plants (likely starchy vegetable staples) compared with To-At-1 individuals. Females displayed significantly lower δ15N values compared with males within the entire assemblage. No differences in δ34S values were observed between sexes or burial mound but it is possible that sea spray or volcanism may have affected these values. One individual displayed the strontium isotopic composition
representative of a nonlocal immigrant (outside 2SD of the mean). This suggests the hegemonic control over interisland travel, may have prevented long-term access to the island by
non-Tongans exemplifying the political and spiritual importance of the island of Tongatapu in the maritime chiefdom.
individuals excavated from two burial mounds located at the `Atele burial site on Tongatapu, the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga (c. 500 - 150 BP). The first burial mound (To-At-1)
was classified by some archaeologists as a commoner’s mound while the second burial mound (To-At-2) was possibly used for interment of the chiefly class. In this study, stable isotope analyses of diet (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S; n = 41) are used to asses paleodiet and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (n = 30) are analyzed to investigate individual mobility to test whether sex and social status affected these aspects of life. Our results show significant differences in diet between burial mounds and sexes. Those interred in To-At-2 displayed lower δ13C values, indicating they ate relatively more terrestrial plants (likely starchy vegetable staples) compared with To-At-1 individuals. Females displayed significantly lower δ15N values compared with males within the entire assemblage. No differences in δ34S values were observed between sexes or burial mound but it is possible that sea spray or volcanism may have affected these values. One individual displayed the strontium isotopic composition
representative of a nonlocal immigrant (outside 2SD of the mean). This suggests the hegemonic control over interisland travel, may have prevented long-term access to the island by
non-Tongans exemplifying the political and spiritual importance of the island of Tongatapu in the maritime chiefdom.