The Archaeology of the ‘Opunohu Valley, Society Islands, Eastern Polynesia

An archaeological review of Polynesian adze quarries and sources

“…Various scholars have looked at the issue of ritual associations. Shrines and temples (marae) are present at quarries throughout Hawai‘i (e.g., Mauna Kea, Moloka‘i quarries,) and on Tahiti (Papeno‘o Valley), which some scholars have interpreted as evidence of control through ritualised procurement and production (Kahn, 2009; McCoy et al., 2012). Adzes of extremely high quality and low evidence of use have also been recovered from burials in New Zealand and the Society Islands indicating a symbolic status attributed to the artefacts (Duff, 1950; Emory & Sinoto, 1964; Shipton et al., 2016).…”

“…Several scholars have referenced a “well‐known” Vaiopatapata quarry on Ra‘iātea and a source designated Ra‘iātea II, but no descriptions of these are available (Allen & Johnson, 1997; Collerson & Weisler, 2007; Kahn, 2009; Kahn et al., 2013; Sinton & Sinoto, 1997; Weisler, 1998). There are also possible sources at Avera and Avera Iti (Collerson & Weisler, 2007, table S2 and S5).…”

“…The Papeno‘o Valley on Tahiti may be the largest scale centre for adze production in the Society Islands (Figure 10). Sources exploited in the valley include water‐rolled cobbles, outcrops and dykes, although descriptions of these locales are limited (Kahn, 2009; Figure 11). The valley exhibited evidence of intensive settlement, including habitation, agriculture, ceremonial activities and large‐scale adze manufacture (Kahn, 2009).…”

“…Sources exploited in the valley include water‐rolled cobbles, outcrops and dykes, although descriptions of these locales are limited (Kahn, 2009; Figure 11). The valley exhibited evidence of intensive settlement, including habitation, agriculture, ceremonial activities and large‐scale adze manufacture (Kahn, 2009). Adzes made at the Putoura workshops in the valley exploited flake blanks and prismatic core blanks extracted from dykes.…”