Prehistoric distribution of stone adzes on Hawaii Island: implications for the development of Hawaiian chiefdoms

Author:

Withrow, Barbara M.

Title:

Prehistoric distribution of stone adzes on Hawaii Island: implications for the development of Hawaiian chiefdoms

Periodical:

Asian Perspectives

Year:

1990

Volume:

29

Pages:

235-250

Subject:

Keanakakoi Kalaukaakoi Chiefdoms Hawaii Adzes Hawaii Island

Summary:

This author's research attempts to use archaeological evidence to study the distribution of a material resource in Hawaiian chiefdoms and to allow further evaluation of the role of redistribution in the development of the complex Hawaiian society. More specifically, this article focuses on the spatial and temporal distribution of adze stone on the island of Hawaii and the implications of these distributional patterns for prehistoric Hawaiian exchange systems and the development of complex chiefdoms in Hawaii. The author describes how Hawaii once consisted of several chiefdoms that were divided into districts, (ahupuaa), a chiefly class, (alii), who traced their ancestry to a senior ruling line, and how rituals were organized by a hierarchy of priests, material symbols of status, and an elaborate system of taboos, that all served to legitimize and maintain their political power. The methodology that was used in this study is also described as well as the results that were obtained from various specimens and sources of Adze Stone that were found in areas on the island such as Mauna Kea, Pololu, and Kilauea.

Label:

Archaeology - Mauna Kea Adze Quarry

URL:

http://hdl.handle.net/10125/16991

Date:

1990

Collection:

Periodicals