Dynamics of Polynesian Subsistence: Insights from Archaeofauna and Stable Isotope Studies, Aitutaki, Southern Cook Islands

Abstract

Human colonists of Remote Oceania readily took advantage of the naive virgin fauna encountered on previously uninhabited islands, a bounty that was quickly depleted. Subsequent developments in Polynesian subsistence economies were more subtle, varied, and complex. These features are illustrated in a comparison of two quite different subsistence archives from the postcolonization period: archaeofaunal assemblages and stable isotope (d 13 C and d 15 N) records of humans, pigs, and dogs from the same archaeological contexts. The samples come from four stratified sites, with a total of 22 distinct occupational strata that represent a 600-year period on the small (18.4 km 2 ) almost-atoll of Aitutaki in the southern Cook Islands. Benefits and challenges of integrating these quite different records are considered in the context of specific findings, with implications for subsistence studies elsewhere. In particular, differences in formation processes, taxonomic resolution, and contrasting spatial and temporal scales represented by each record are highlighted. A complex, multiscalar picture of subsistence change emerges, showing variability within and across the three species and the two subsistence archives. Findings support prior interpretations that established (not colonial) settlements are represented by the currently known Aitutaki archaeological record. Within the relatively stable and largely anthropogenic food web, humans occupy a central position throughout the sequence. Through time, a reduction in fishing and decreased consumption of marine carnivores is indicated; these changes are likely to be an outcome of both repeated storm events and considerable shoreline disruption in the fourteenth century A.D., and cultural decisions about the relative costs and benefits of various fishing activities vis-à-vis other subsistence needs. An apparent reduction in variability of pig diets in late prehistory could reflect interspecific competition between pigs and their human managers, although small sample sizes constrain interpretations. Overall, use of two quite different subsistence archives provides a more robust, but also more complex, view of subsistence change across individuals and communities on Aitutaki.

Multi-isotopic analysis of first Polynesian diet (Talasiu, Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga)

“…No correlation between carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios and yield, %C, %N and C:N ratios were found for the 16 other samples indicating that preservation indicator values do not appear to result from taphonomic processes. Talasiu human collagen δ Richards et al, 2009;Allen and Craig, 2009;Jones and Quinn, 2009;Valentin et al, 2010;. When compared to the two pigs values, the Talasiu human values are more positive for both carbon (+4.0‰) and nitrogen (+2.9‰).…”

“…These expected human diet values are consistent with the consumption of a mixed diet involving at least three dietary components. The stable carbon isotope ratios demonstrate the complementary contribution of terrestrial resources, including C 3 -plants and animal Data from: Fry et al, 1983;Collier and Hobson, 1987;Keegan and DeNiro, 1988;Leach et al, 1996;Ambrose et al, 1997;Yoneda et al, 2004;Valentin et al, 2006;Beavan Athfield et al, 2008;Field et al, 2009;Allen and Craig, 2009;Jones and Quinn, 2009;Richards et al, 2009;White et al, 2010;Valentin et al, 2010;Storey et al, 2010; Only 1 archaeological specimen from Valentin et al, 2010. b All data from Yoneda et al, 2004, on 81 bone collagen samples. c Only 2 archaeological specimens from Kinaston et al, 2014. d All specimens are archaeological except 10 moderns from Ambrose et al, 1997, Valentin et al, 2006, Beavan Athfield et al, 2008 e All samples are modern ones.…”

A Marquesan coral reef (French Polynesia) in historical context: an integrated socio‐ecological approach

“…Rather, the relative scarcity of parrotfish in other archaeological records (Kirch, 1973;Leach et al, 1997;Rolett, 1998) most likely reflects the limited occurrence of prime parrotfish habitat, namely coral reefs (Randall, 2005). The family is, however, a long-standing favourite in many other island economies, as indicated by its prominence in archaeological records from throughout Polynesia (Kirch and Yen, 1982;Leach et al, 1984;Allen, 1992;Butler, 1994). The Anaho findings highlight the cultural value of parrotfish in the Marquesas and link fishing practices here with those of islands to the east.…”

Short-Lived Plant Materials, Long-Lived Trees, and Polynesian 14C Dating: Considerations for 14C Sample Selection and Documentation

“…The suite of 14 C determinations has been integrated into a Bayesian-supported geochronological model of site formation (Allen and Morrison 2013). Analyses of the rockshelter features, fauna, artifact assemblages, and 14 C results indicate that this was an important campsite, probably from the 12th century AD onwards, associated with fishing and adze production (details in Steadman 1991; Allen 1992Allen , 2002Nicholls et al 2003;Allen and Craig 2009;Ditchfield 2010). …”