The ‘enata way of war: An ethnoarchaeological perspective on warfare dynamics in the Marquesas Islands

Warfare in the Marquesas Islands, as studied through ethnoarchaeological lenses, reveals a complex interplay between environmental constraints and sociopolitical organization. The rugged landscape of the islands, characterized by steep valleys radiating from volcanic cones and devoid of coral reefs or lagoons, shaped a 'valley system' where each valley served as an exclusive territory for the 'enata groups. This territorial exclusivity, coupled with frequent climatic crises and droughts, intensified competition over limited resources, influencing warfare dynamics. The study combines archaeological evidence with ethnographic insights to elucidate how these environmental pressures and social structures drove conflict in pre-colonial Marquesan society.

Molle, G., & Marolleau, V. (2022). The ’enata way of war: An ethnoarchaeological perspective on warfare dynamics in the Marquesas Islands. Archaeological Perspectives on Conflict and Warfare in Australia and the Pacific, 107–129. https://doi.org/10.22459/ta54.2021.06