Archaeometric analyses of adze-blades on Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands

Archaeometric analyses reveal distinct provenances for adze-blades from Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands. A basalt flake from Vaitehii I closely matches the local Tekao type tholeiitic basalt, suggesting local origin. In contrast, a phonolite flake from Ha’ahinani traces its source to Ua Pou island, indicating inter-island trade or movement. The study employed mineralogical, petrological, and geochemical techniques to characterize raw materials and outline their provenances, providing insights into ancient maritime connections in Polynesia.

Szakmány, G., Fehér, K., Kasztovszky, Z., & Sági, T. (2021). Archaeometric analyses of adze-blades on Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands. Archeometriai Műhely, 18(1), 75–88. https://doi.org/10.55023/issn.1786-271x.2021-005