Publications
Cave-dwelling calcareous sponges (Porifera: Calcarea) from the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
A recent study reveals that the Marquesas Islands, part of French Polynesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbor a unique diversity of cave-dwelling calcareous sponges. Researchers identified five species, four of which are new to science: Borojevia moana, Bidderia watremezi, Leucascus polynesiensis, and Leucandra cavernicola, alongside the previously known Murrayona phanolepis. Unlike adjacent rocky shores, these sponge assemblages exhibit distinct characteristics, with Leucascus polynesiensis being the sole species found both inside and outside caves in French Polynesia. The study employed morphological and molecular tools (ITS and C-LSU) to analyze sponges collected from semi-dark or dark lava tubes. Notably, M. phanolepis appears to be a widespread cave-dwelling species, potentially representing cryptic diversity. Additionally, aliactine spicules may serve as a synapomorphy in the subclass Calcaronea. The findings suggest that Marquesan caves harbor an underestimated and unique biodiversity of calcareous sponges.
Challenging trophic position assessments in complex ecosystems: Calculation method, choice of baseline, trophic enrichment factors, season and feeding guild do matter: A case study from Marquesas Islands coral reefs
Trophic position (TP) estimates for coral reef species in the Marquesas Islands vary significantly depending on the method used, the baseline organic matter source, and seasonal factors. This study found that TP estimates can differ by up to 1.7 levels for the same species when using different methods or baselines, such as macroalgae versus phytoplankton. The use of a conventional enrichment factor (3.4‰) or a variable one based on feeding guilds also led to discrepancies in TP values. Compound-specific isotope analysis using source amino acids produced TPs similar to those derived from macroalgae, while seasonal variations showed lower TPs in winter compared to summer, particularly for species with lower baseline TPs. These findings highlight the critical role of methodological choices and ecological context in accurately assessing trophic dynamics, which are essential for ecosystem-based management.
Mass capture fishing in the Marquesas Islands
Archaeological evidence from Nuku Hiva Island, Marquesas Islands, reveals that mass capture fishing techniques for small fishes were significantly more prominent and sustained during the early settlement period than previously thought. This contradicts earlier assumptions about their limited importance in early Polynesian fisheries. The study analyzed fishbone assemblages using fine mesh screens and morphometric methods, identifying a preference for high-return capture strategies, possibly to avoid ciguatera-prone fishes or target less vulnerable species. These findings highlight geographic variation in early Marquesan fisheries and underscore the role of mass capture technologies in the maritime toolkits of East Polynesian fishers.
Polynesian settlement of the Marquesas Islands: The chronology of Hanamiai in comparative context
A new chronology for Hanamiai, a coastal dune site in the Marquesas Islands, reveals that Polynesian settlement began between AD 1160 and 1266. This finding, derived from 14 new radiocarbon dates combined with Bayesian modeling of 22 age estimates, provides a refined timeline for the site's continuous cultural sequence spanning from initial colonization to European contact. By comparing Hanamiai's chronology with seven other Marquesan sites, researchers also estimated the tempo of settlement and identified the transition period between the Archaic and Classic eras in material culture.
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.
Callogobius williamsi, a new species of goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Marquesas Islands, with notes on the status of all nominal Callogobius species
A new species of goby, Callogobius williamsi, has been discovered in the Marquesas Islands, South Pacific Ocean. This species is distinguished by unique morphological traits, including a combination of cycloid and ctenoid scales restricted to the mid-lateral caudal peduncle, 23-26 lateral line scales (mode 25), absence of preopercular papillae row (Row 20), and the presence of pores B, D, and F in the interorbital canal. Callogobius williamsi belongs to a monophyletic group of 23 species characterized by narrow, closely spaced dorsal processes of the cleithrum and an elongate caudal fin. The study also provides a provisional status assessment for all nominal Callogobius species, contributing to the taxonomic clarification of this genus.
New Microfossil Approaches and Multi-Proxy Analysis Reveal Precontact Polynesian Translocations and Plant Use, Marquesas Islands
A groundbreaking analysis of microfossils from Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands, reveals direct evidence of precontact Polynesian plant translocations and agricultural practices, dating back to the 13th century AD. The study identifies four distinct Polynesian-transported plants—Colocasia esculenta (taro), a second possible Araceae species, Musa sp., and Cordyline fruticosa—along with three taxa that may include both translocated and native varieties: Cocos nucifera (coconut), Pandanus tectorius, and Morinda citrifolia. Advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis of raphides in degraded starch further confirm the presence of C. esculenta, providing robust evidence for early Polynesian crop cultivation and plant use. This multi-proxy approach underscores the significance of combined microfossil analysis in reconstructing prehistoric human-plant interactions.
"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.
Feeling “Superstitious”: Affect and the Land in the Marquesas Islands
Ancestral lands in the Marquesas Islands serve as both a source of strength and sovereignty for Indigenous peoples and a site of complex emotional responses, including fear and ambivalence, shaped by colonial legacies. This study highlights how these conflicted feelings—rooted in embodied experiences of place—complicate efforts to revitalize traditional culture and promote sustainable resource management. By examining the interplay between colonial histories and Indigenous values, the research reveals that reticence toward ancestral places hinders local relationships with the land, despite its central role in sustainability initiatives. The findings underscore the need for global conservation strategies to account for the nuanced emotional landscapes of Indigenous communities, ensuring that preservation efforts align with their lived experiences and aspirations.
Genetic characterization of populations in the Marquesas Archipelago in the context of the Austronesian expansion
A groundbreaking genetic study of populations from Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Tahuata in the Marquesas Archipelago reveals significant insights into the Austronesian expansion. The research highlights the genetic uniformity and relative isolation of the Marquesas and Society populations, suggesting limited gene flow within East Polynesia. This homogeneity is supported by low heterozygosity, consistent mitochondrial DNA sequences, and distinct separation from Asian and other Oceanic populations in principal component analyses. Notably, the study identifies two gene flow episodes: a recent one linked to European contact and an earlier Austronesian settlement. High-resolution Y-STR analysis further supports East Polynesia as a migration hub, with dispersals radiating outward, reinforcing the east-to-west flow of the most abundant Polynesian Y chromosome lineage.
Lost bioscapes: Floristic and arthropod diversity coincident with 12th century Polynesian settlement, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
A diverse assemblage of plant and arthropod subfossils, dating back to the mid-12th century AD (1129–1212 cal. AD), has been recovered from Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, offering unprecedented insights into the region's lowland ecosystems prior to significant Polynesian settlement. The study, which utilized Bayesian analysis of radiocarbon dating and archaeological recovery techniques, identified several apparently extinct taxa, as well as extant species now restricted to high-altitude or interior areas. This research also reveals evidence of human activities, including Polynesian-associated arthropods and microcharcoal, providing new perspectives on the timing and nature of anthropogenic transformations in this remote archipelago. The findings challenge current understanding of the Marquesas' ecological history and have implications for broader East Polynesian colonization narratives.
Quilting Power:Mana, UNESCO and Spiritual Sovereignty in the Marquesas Islands
The Marquesas Islands' bid for UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) status reveals complex tensions between Indigenous spiritual sovereignty and colonial heritage narratives. While WHL recognition is sought as a means to global power, it risks suppressing local, relational understandings of heritage, echoing historical patterns of oppression. The study highlights how different stakeholders use 'heritage' as a political tool, either amplifying or silencing Indigenous interpretations. This dynamic underscores the critical role of spiritual sovereignty in navigating power structures within contemporary French Polynesia.
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.
An archaeomalacological investigation of chitons on the Hane Dune site, Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands
Intensive exploitation of the chiton Acanthopleura gemmata during the first three centuries of occupation at the Hane Dune site, Ua Huka (Marquesas Islands), led to its abrupt depletion by around AD 950. This finding challenges previous assumptions about subsistence practices in Central-East Polynesia and underscores the significance of precise taxonomic identification and refined recovery protocols in archaeomalacological studies. Researchers used zooarchaeological methods, spatial analysis, and biometry to demonstrate that A. gemmata was a critical resource for ancient ‘Enata communities before its replacement by the limpet Cellana radiata. The study highlights the importance of detailed species-level analysis in reconstructing past subsistence trends.
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.
New genus and species of lithistid demosponges from submarine caves in Nuku Hiva (Marquesas Islands) and Tahiti Iti (Society Islands), French Polynesia
Scientists have discovered four new species of lithistid demosponges, including one new genus, within submarine caves of volcanic origin in the South Pacific. These sponges were found on basaltic rocks inside lava tubes on Nuku Hiva Island (Marquesas Islands) and Tahiti Iti peninsula (Society Islands), representing the first record of such species from this region. The new species—Microscleroderma miritatarata, Microscleroderma lava, Gastrophanella basaltica, and Levispongia meyeri—were identified using morphological and DNA barcode analyses. The study compares their phylogenetic relationships with other lithistid sponges from the Caribbean and Pacific, highlighting unique skeletal features such as rhizoclone desmas and complex dichotrianes. This discovery expands our understanding of lithistid demosponges' diversity beyond Mediterranean karst caves.
Vaitehii: the cradle of the basalt adze-blades on Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
Vaitehii, located on Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, stands out as a significant site for basalt adze-blade production. The study highlights its role as a cradle of these tools, supported by evidence such as debris, flakes, and half-products collected during a 1998 expedition led by Judit Antoni and Alfred Falchetto. This research provides an overview of the artifacts, offering insights into the craftsmanship and cultural significance of adze production in the region. The findings contribute to understanding the technological and historical aspects of prehistoric Polynesian toolmaking.
Monitoring the Influence of the Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics on Phytoplanktonic Plumes around the Marquesas Islands Using Multi-Satellite Missions
A study of the Marquesas Islands reveals that mesoscale ocean dynamics play a crucial role in shaping and dispersing phytoplanktonic plumes, which are significantly enhanced near these islands. The research combines in situ observations from a 2018 oceanographic cruise with satellite data to investigate two distinct phytoplankton blooms north and south of the archipelago. Lagrangian diagnostics confirmed that chlorophyll-a (Chl) plumes originate from the islands and are advected by ocean currents. Further analysis using Finite-size Lyaponov Exponent and frontogenesis diagnostics showed that a mesoscale cyclonic eddy in the south and converging fronts with finer-scale dynamic activity in the north influence the formation and dispersion of these plumes. These findings suggest that fertilization from the islands themselves may promote phytoplankton growth, while advection plays a key role in dispersing and shaping the plumes under contrasting dynamical regimes.
Skeletal and Dental Health of Precontact Marquesans: The Bioarchaeology of the Human Skeletons from Ha‘atuatua, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
Precontact Marquesans exhibited generally good health, contrary to expectations of increased disease and warfare during the Expansion Period. Analysis of 81 skeletons from Ha'atuatua, Nuku Hiva, revealed few signs of significant palaeopathology in adults and no marked sex differences in health indicators. While subadults showed evidence of infection, anemia, or metabolic disease, with many dying in infancy, their health patterns mirrored those observed in other East Polynesian populations. The study suggests that the precontact inhabitants were robust, with males comparable in stature to other East Polynesians. Elevated stress fractures in adults may indicate labor-intensive activities related to landscape changes and megalithic construction. This bioarchaeological research challenges previous assumptions about health and lifestyle during this period.
Working with the Ancestors: Mana and Place in the Marquesas Islands
A study on the Marquesas Islands reveals how indigenous concepts of mana and place are intricately linked to ancestral traditions, shaping cultural practices and environmental stewardship. The research highlights the significance of these beliefs in sustaining traditional knowledge systems, which are critical for the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Te Henua Enata. By analyzing oral histories, archaeological data, and ethnographic observations, the study demonstrates how mana—spiritual energy or power—interacts with physical landscapes to influence community decision-making and resource management. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of how indigenous frameworks can inform conservation strategies, bridging traditional wisdom with modern scientific practices.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands