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The Evolution of the Polynesian Chiefdoms

The Evolution of the Polynesian Chiefdoms

£53.99

Part of New Studies in Archaeology

  • Date Published: July 1989
  • availability: Available
  • format: Paperback
  • isbn: 9780521273169

£ 53.99
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About the Authors
  • This is an archaeological perspective on the elaborate system of chiefdoms found in the islands of Polynesia. While the growth and development of complex social and political systems in this region have long interested anthropologists and ethnographers, the islands' rich sources of archaeological data have since been exploited. The author combines this fresh archaeological data with comparative ethnographic and linguistic materials to present an innovative and perceptive account of the processes of culture change in the islands over three millennia. Using comparative ethnography, lexical reconstruction and direct archaeological evidence, the author reconstructs the broad outlines of Ancestral Polynesian Society, from which the diverse societies of the Polynesian region descended. Major processes of cultural change are analysed in detail, including colonization, adaptation to changing environments, development of intensive production and social conflict and competition.

    Reviews & endorsements

    '… most comprehensive and analytical review of Polynesian archaeology to appear in the literature so far …'. Archaeology

    'A fascinating, authoritative account of the development of pre-European political systems in the central and eastern Pacific … a major achievement.' John Terrell, Reviews in Anthropology

    'This is archaeology as it should be.' Man

    'This well-illustrated book with its extensive bibliography should continue to be an important book for scholars and students of Polynesia for years to come.' Journal of the Polynesian Society

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    Product details

    • Date Published: July 1989
    • format: Paperback
    • isbn: 9780521273169
    • length: 328 pages
    • dimensions: 227 x 152 x 20 mm
    • weight: 0.466kg
    • availability: Available
  • Table of Contents

    Preface
    1. Introduction
    Part I. Foundation:
    2. Polynesian societies and ecosystems
    3. Ancestral Polynesia
    Part II. Process:
    4. Dispersal, colonization, and adaptation
    5. The demographic factor
    6. Changing environments
    7. Development and intensification of production
    8. Competition and conflict
    Part III. Transformation:
    9. Tonga
    10. Hawaii
    11. Easter Island
    12. Epilogue
    Glossary of Polynesian terms
    References
    Index.

  • Author

    Patrick Vinton Kirch

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