Weaving feathers of intangible and tangible knowledge: Historical records and human‐bird interactions in the Marquesas Islands

A comprehensive analysis of human-bird interactions in the Marquesas Islands reveals two distinct forms of cultural resource management: tapu (prohibition of use) and conservative use, such as restricted feather collecting. The study integrates archaeology, oral histories, ethnohistorical records, and museum collections to demonstrate that understanding species' cultural roles requires multiple analytical threads, particularly for taxa with limited or no archaeological presence. Red feathers, prominent in museum objects and historical accounts, highlight their significance in adornment across multiple avian species. This research provides insights into the persistence and loss of species while shedding light on Marquesan cultural practices.

Pillay, P. (2024). Weaving feathers of intangible and tangible knowledge: Historical records and human‐bird interactions in the Marquesas Islands. Archaeology in Oceania, 59(2), 275–297. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/arco.5318