Explaining Fortifications in Indo‐Pacific Prehistory

Field, Julie S.

doi:10.1002/j.1834-4453.2008.tb00025.x

Cited by 31 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 90 publications

(81 reference statements)

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“…These sites include ring-wall mounds and complex ridge-top fortifications which were likely selected for their defensive potential, not only because of their locations within the landscape but also because of the ability to enhance natural defenses by artificial structures, mostly walls, sometimes ditches (Robb and Nunn 2011). Such sites play a prominent role in the late prehistory of Fiji as well as other island groups in the Pacific islands (Best 1984(Best , 1992Clunie 1977;Cochrane 2005;Crosby 1988;Field 2003Field , 2008Gifford 1951;Groube 1970;Kirch 1984;Palmer 1967Palmer , 1969Parry 1977Parry , 1982Parry , 1987Pearl 2004;Sand et al 2000).…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 98%

Nature and Chronology of Prehistoric Settlement on the Vatia Peninsula, Northern Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Robb¹,

Nunn

2012

The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology

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Two upland sites from the Vatia Peninsula, northern Viti Levu Island, Fiji, were excavated as part of a larger project investigating the settlement history of this area. These sites represent the first intensive survey and excavation program in this part of Fiji. The sites are a cave (Matanigaga), which acted as a short-term shelter, and a ring-wall mound (Drautana), one of a number of similar sites interpreted as likely precursors to complex ridge-top fortifications. Both sites suggest that occupation in this area began in the last millennium and involved exploitation of near shore marine resources. The number of fortified hilltops on the Vatia Peninsula suggests that conflict may have been endemic in this area of Fiji during the latter part of the last millennium. Site descriptions and the analysis of ceramic, lithic, and mollusk remains are presented here.

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Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 98%

Nature and Chronology of Prehistoric Settlement on the Vatia Peninsula, Northern Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Robb¹,

Nunn

2012

The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology

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“…Many scientists have connected the change in settlement pattern observed in Pacific Island groups with the region‐wide outbreak of conflict between and within coastal‐tethered communities (Goff & McFadgen ; Nunn ,b Nunn Field ; Field & Lape ). It is inferred that the coastal settlements that most people occupied before conflict began were generally exposed to attack and unable to be readily defended, largely because they were located on low coastal plains where no natural defences were available.…”

Section: Evidence For 14th‐ and 15th‐century Disruption Of Pacific Ismentioning

confidence: 99%

Rapid societal change as a proxy for regional environmental forcing: Evidence and explanations for Pacific island societies in the 14–15th centuries

Goff

Nunn

2015

Island Arc

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Given the unquestioned impacts of recent/future environmental changes on human societies, it is reasonable to posit that past societal responses could be used as proxies of contemporaneous environmental forcing and might help identify the drivers of these, particularly where independent evidence of the effects of these events is inadequate. Such areas include Pacific oceanic islands for most of which there is evidence of a societal perturbation in the 14th and 15th centuries that saw the outbreak of region-wide conflict, abandonment of coastal settlements and the abrupt end of long-distance cross-ocean voyaging networks. The contemporaneity of these effects across a vast region requires a driver that is external to particular island groups with the only possibility that of oceanic origin, most likely large waves (tsunamis or storm surges) or rapid sea-level change. The explanation is less important than the principle that societal changes can be used as proxies for environmental activity.

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“…The gifting of fish sometimes took place as part of a feast, which could involve the gathering of several tribes. Warfare, raiding, conquest and enslavement were also common, as a result of population pressure and competition for the best agriculture land (Field 2008;Nunn 2007). The construction of elaborate fortifications on prominent hills and headlands is indicative of the martial, tribal culture associated with Maori.…”

Section: Temperate Coastal Zonesmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the edge: a consideration of the adaptive capacity of Indigenous Peoples in coastal zones from the Arctic to the Tropics

Mulrennan

2014

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Indigenous peoples occupy many of the world's coastal zones, and have used and managed coastal and marine resources for millennia. As a result they have accumulated extensive knowledge about these environments that supported their ability to colonize new territories in the past and informs their on-going adaptive responses to environmental, climatic and socio-cultural changes. This paper examines the adaptive capacity of Indigenous peoples over time and across a range of coastal settings. It begins with a discussion of some reasons for the relative neglect, until recently, of cultural adaptations in coastal settings. The experiences of a selection of Indigenous groups in each of three coastal zones -Arctic, Temperate and Tropical -are then explored in relation to various adaptive mechanisms they have employed traditionally as well as in contemporary contexts. Comparison across these experiences indicates that Indigenous peoples regard the coast as an integral component of a land-sea continuum that provides enhanced food security, important cultural and spiritual attachments, and valuable opportunities for social interaction and learning. Coastal science and policy initiatives stand to benefit from greater consideration of the adaptive strategies of Indigenous coastal peoples.

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Explaining Fortifications in Indo‐Pacific Prehistory

Cited by 31 publications

References 90 publications

Nature and Chronology of Prehistoric Settlement on the Vatia Peninsula, Northern Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Nature and Chronology of Prehistoric Settlement on the Vatia Peninsula, Northern Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Rapid societal change as a proxy for regional environmental forcing: Evidence and explanations for Pacific island societies in the 14–15th centuries

On the edge: a consideration of the adaptive capacity of Indigenous Peoples in coastal zones from the Arctic to the Tropics

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