Marquesan prehistory and the origins of East Polynesian culture

Abstract . Temporal relationships are established among artifact assemblages from four archaeological sites on different islands in the Marquesas. One of four models of early East Polynesian prehistory may best explain the data available from these sites. The Marquesan archaeological data are analyzed in terms of the four models. These data, as well as those from sites elsewhere in East Polynesia, favor a model of Interaction and cultural continuity. This model suggests that long distance two-way voyaging linked distant archipelagoes during early East Polynesian prehistory, creating a regional homeland with cultural similarities maintained by intercommunication.Rolett Barry V. Marquesan prehistory and the origins of East Polynesian culture. In: Journal de la Société des océanistes, 96, 1993-1. pp. 29-47