Prehistoric Socio-Political Structure on Pohnpei: Perspectives from Mortuary Contexts

Nan Madol, the ceremonial center of Pohnpei, served as a significant socio-political hub during Pohnpeian prehistory, functioning as a state for several centuries before decentralization. This study reveals that monumental mortuary structures across the island, including those at Nan Madol, provide critical insights into the mechanisms of social change and power dynamics. By analyzing architectural features, scale, labor investment, and hierarchical relations between burial types, the research identifies potential indicators of socio-political change and examines the role of coercive versus cooperative labor strategies in state maintenance. The findings suggest that while monumental architecture reflects complex societal structures, the absence of archaeological evidence for conflict implies a reliance on cooperative social dynamics, challenging traditional theories of state development.

Seikel, K. A. (2016). Prehistoric Socio-Political Structure on Pohnpei: Perspectives from Mortuary Contexts. The Australian National University. https://doi.org/10.25911/5D7786F19BB3B