UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Research Library

Alpine archaeology in Hawaii

Author:
McCoy, Patrick Carlton, Gould, Richard A.
Title:
Alpine archaeology in Hawaii
Periodical:
Archaeology
Year:
1977
Volume:
30
Pages:
234-243
Subject:
Mauna Kea Adze Quarry Archaeological surveying Mauna Kea
Summary:
In 1977 the survey, excavations, and analysis of the Mauna Kea Adze Quarry that were undertaken by the Bernice P. Bishop Museum were represented the first large scale example of a new direction in Pacific archaeology - the technical study of an important class of stone tools. Instead of concentrating on the question regarding the origin of the adze type, this new research collected information about the process of obtaining the raw materials and of the manufacture. Questions such as: "What kinds of technical knowledge did the prehistoric Hawaiians need to make these tools?", "What sort of advance planning was required for sustained visits to the quarry?", and "How did the methods of working stone reflected at Mauna Kea resemble or differ from those used in other parts of the world?", were asked. The authors also wanted to begin to understand more about the human behavior behind the manufacture of these tools. While, other adze quarries are known elsewhere in Hawaii, such as on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Kahoolawe, and west Molokai, the Mauna Kea quarry is by far the largest and best preserved in the islands and in the entire Pacific. As a result, the Mauna Kea Adze Quarry seemed to be an ideal place in which to search for answers to these questions.
Label:
Archaeology - Mauna Kea Adze Quarry
Date:
1977
Collection:
Periodicals