An analysis of the Mauna Kea Adze Quarry archaeobotanical assemblage

Author:

Allen, Melinda S.

Title:

An analysis of the Mauna Kea Adze Quarry archaeobotanical assemblage

Year:

1981

Volume:

M.A.

Pages:

xviii, 162 leaves, bound

Subject:

Paleobotany Mauna Kea Quarries and quarrying Mauna Kea Mauna Kea antiquities Adzes Hawaii Island Archaeological surveying Mauna Kea Mauna Kea Adze Quarry

Summary:

Based on analyses of the archaeobotanical materials and other archaeological data, the use of the adze quarry was probably intermittent and seasonal; the quarry workers appear to have commuted to the quarry by way of a rainforest zone; quarry visits of longer than a few days are evidenced by on-site maintenance activities such as mat and basket production and/or sandal repair. The adzemakers' staple diet includes taro and banana. This study demonstrated the utility of carrying analyses of archaeologically recovered plant materials beyond simple lists of uses; the importance of examining archaeological deposits for small seeds and fruit which include Chenopodium oahuense, Adenostemma lavenia, Oxalis corniculata, Daucus sp. and Solanum nigrum, taro, ti, gourd, Pandanus, and kukui, etc.

Collection:

Monographs