"You Don't Have to Live Like a Refugee": New Insights on the Defensive, Economic, and Ritual Functions of a Fortified Pā on Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands

New research on Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands, reveals that fortified pā sites served multifaceted roles as defensive refuges, economic hubs, and ritual centers during periods of inter-community conflict. Contrary to previous assumptions that these structures were confined to 'marginal' areas, the study of Mahaki pā demonstrates their integration into the territories of enata chiefdoms, driven by increasing violence and environmental pressures. The investigation, conducted in 2015 as part of a broader Ua Huka project, employed archaeological documentation to uncover complex occupation patterns, challenging long-held perceptions about Marquesan fortified villages.

Molle, G., & Marolleau, V. (2022). “You Don’t Have to Live Like a Refugee”: New Insights on the Defensive, Economic, and Ritual Functions of a Fortified Pā on Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands. Asian Perspectives, 61(1), 143–168. https://doi.org/10.1353/asi.2022.0006