Intra‐island source variability on Tutuila, American Samoa and prehistoric basalt adze exchange in Western Polynesia‐Island Melanesia

Abstract

We report recent X-ray Fluorescence analysis of samples from neighboring basalt adze production locales situated in western Tutuila, American Samoa. These data allow for the successful reassignment of source locations to locally and regionally transferred adzes with greater precision, and highlights the relevance of intraisland source analysis when addressing inter-archipelagic exchange models.

Sāmoan artefact provenance reveals limited artefact transfer within and beyond the archipelago

“…However, basalt tools originating from these valleys have been documented at intra‐island, intra‐archipelago and extra‐archipelago locations, demonstrating that unidentified quarries must be present (Winterhoff et al . ).…”

“…; Winterhoff et al . ) have been able to show that geochemical variation across the major volcanic provinces of Tutuila, and also within particular valleys, can be distinguished. To synthesise current knowledge of Sāmoan basalt and volcanic glass artefact transfers, we have compiled data from published and unpublished sources (Supplemental Data Online).…”

“…; Winterhoff et al . ) have relied on Best et al .’s geochemical data or have re‐analysed samples included in that study. In some cases, this has resulted in revised determinations for the sources of particular artefacts.…”

“…; Moore & Kennedy ; Winterhoff et al . ) and admittedly common‐sense distance assessments to identify non‐local artefacts. Second, artefact transfer distance is not unambiguously translated into contact between distinct populations.…”

Central East Polynesia: an introduction

“…Analytically, interaction has been approached using archaeometric, stylistic, and documentary techniques. Varied forms of provenance analysis have been used to study the movement of material commodities (especially adzes and other stone objects), such as X-ray Fluorescence analysis (Bollt 2008;Kahn et al 2009;Lundblad et al 2008;Mills et al 2008;Weisler 2008;Winterhoff et al 2007). Other studies have applied Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) (Johnson et al 2007) and highly precise Radiogenic Isotope analysis to understand prehistoric interaction spheres at the inter-and intraarchipelago levels.…”