Prehistoric production, distribution, and use of stone adzes : implications for the development of Hawaiian chiefdoms
- Author:
-
Withrow, Barbara
- Title:
- Prehistoric production, distribution, and use of stone adzes : implications for the development of Hawaiian chiefdoms
- Year:
- 1991
- Volume:
- Ph.D.
- Pages:
- vi, 322 leaves
- Subject:
-
Adzes Hawaii Island
Mauna Kea Adzes Quarry
Chiefdoms Hawaii
Hawaii antiquities
- Summary:
- The primary goal of this research is to determine whether stone adzes were subject to redistribution and/or specialized production in the prehistoric development of cultural complexity in Hawaii. Adzes from previously excavated archaeological sites on Hawaii Island were traced to their original sources by petrographic analysis. The use of many small stone sources in addition to the major Mauna Kea Quarry suggests that adzes were not subject to centralized redistribution. It is possible that there is no evidence that adzes were produced by attached craft specialists who were sponsored or directed by the Hawaiian chiefs. The degree of homogeneity in finished adzes is also assessed as a possible indicator of craft specialization. Adzes are quite homogeneous in form and size; however, there is no change in the degree of homogeneity over time, and many other factors including intended function and postmanufacturing processes can affect the shape and size of adzes.
- Collection:
- Monographs