The monumental earthworks of Palau, Micronesia : a landscape perspective

Abstract

This thesis reports on an archaeological investigation of the prehistoric earthworks of Babeldaob Island, Palau, Micronesia. It is focused on a particular area of the landscape, a group of earthworks in Ngaraard State, northern Babeldaob. The specific research question to be answered is: what significance or meaning can be ascribed to the monumental earthworks of Babeldaob, and what insights does this offer in relation to prehistoric monumental constructions elsewhere in Pacific landscape? The study draws on landscape theory. A review is made of the rather intricate history of the application of landscape theory, and its application in archaeological investigations. This is followed by a discussion of the specific landscape perspective used in this thesis. Here, weight is placed on both social and cultural concerns, which includes conceptual and physical elements of landscape. This includes the identification of diachronic social and cultural processes, and applies the concept of habitus or 'Theory of Practice' (Bourdieu 1977). An essential component of this investigation was the field programme, in which excavation was undertaken at three sites - B:NA-4:11, Ngemeduu crown and terrace complex; B:NA-4:12 Toi Meduu crown and terrace complex, and B:NA- 4:6 Rois terrace complex. The theoretical orientation articulates with the methodology through three scales of analysis that stem from this field programme. In the first, interpretations concentrate on elucidating construction methods and past use of the earthworks, while also considering social processes of the people who built them. Both social and environmental elements of the landscape are explored. Pollen and phytolith analysis provide information on changing vegetation patterns in the past environment, and geoarchaeological methods such as soil micromorphology and X-ray diffraction impart data in which interpretations on taphonomic and anthropogenic processes are made. Formal analysis of pottery recovered through excavation provides information on both social and physical facets of the landscape, and radiocarbon dates from 10 charcoal samples help to determine the chronology of construction for the sites studied. A shift in the scale of investigation places emphasis on the elucidation of diachronic processes of social change in the landscape of Ngaraard. The earthworks are decentered, and interpretations are formed that extend beyond the material existence of the earthworks themselves. Attention is directed to the identification of prehistoric cosmologies, and the changing role and transmission of habitus in the monumental landscape of Ngaraard. The creation of space and place is addressed, and how these units have endured or transformed temporally and spatially, and a landscape history is presented The scale alters once more, to include an interpretive comparison with an additional district on Babeldaob with monumental earthworks, Melekeok. A final discussion looks at alternative ways in which monumental constructions in other Pacific landscapes can be studied and interpreted.