Fredericksen, Clayton Frederick Keith
Description
This thesis considers the association between western Melanesian ethnographic
economic specialisation and prehistoric systems of production and distribution.
Contrasting theories for the development of historical specialisation are reviewed and
the criticism made that these are chronologically limited to the late Holocene. The
statement is made that to fully appreciate temporal change we must expand our view
to encompass the preceramic period.
Obsidian is one of the few archaeologically...[Show more] visible materials which was distributed in
both preceramic and ceramic times. This material is chosen as a “measuring device”
to map variation in production and distribution patterns in the Admiralty Islands,
Papua New Guinea. A review of ethnographic and anthropological literature revealed
that the Admiralty Islands were characterised by a high level of village or lineagebased
economic specialisation. Obsidian was one of the materials produced and
distributed within this system.
A study was carried out on obsidian use at Pamwak Rocksheiter on Manus Island,
and at a number of mid to late Holocene localities on Manus and Mouk.
Characterisation analysis revealed that offshore obsidian, probably from the Pam
Islands, began to be utilised in the terminal Pleistocene. Trends of increasing
accessibility through time and a move to incorporate increasing quantities of Lou
obsidian were revealed. A significant discovery is the possibility of a major increase in
the use of Lou obsidian coincident with the appearance of Lapita.
Retouched obsidian blades and microblades were found to be present in only post-
Lapita contexts. Chronological change in blade production strategies was revealed on
Lou. This involved the development of highly standardised triangular forms by
approximately 1600-1300 BP, followed by a simplification of technology as reflected
in the appearance of minimally modified tanged forms. This occurred within the last
1000 years and is interpreted as showing increased demand for weapon points. This
demonstrates a move toward the form of spearpoint production recorded by
nineteenth century ethnographers.
The conclusion drawn is that none of the models yet advanced for the devlopment of
economic specialisation in Melanesia is adequate for interpreting change in production
and distribution in the Admiralty Islands. The roots of economic specialisation may
lie further back in time than catered for by existing models.
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