Determining the Function of Polynesian Volcanic Glass Artifacts: Results of a Residue Study
Date
06/01/05 12:00 AM
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10
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1
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1
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17
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Abstract
Volcanic glass artifacts are commonly found throughout Polynesia, and their function 'has been debated for
several decades. Microscopic edge damage-usually small flake scars along only one edge of the glass flake- was
previously thought to result from cutting, scraping, or boring tasks when scaling and gutting fish, butchering dog
and pig, scraping vegetables, or preparing fiber or bark. However, none of these explanations have been tied
directly to empirical microscopic evidence (such as residues) of these inferred tasks. We examined 14 volcanic
glass flakes from late prehistoric habitation sites along the north coast of Moloka 'i and 15 flakes from several
sites on Henderson Island (Pitcairn Group) to determine the presence and kind of residues found near the working
edges of these diminutive artifacts. Twenty-eight percent of the flakes exhibited microscopic residues suggesting
plant preparation and shell working functions. Further analysis on an expanded sample of properly collected
artifacts from a broader range of sites should elucidate additional functions of this nondescript artifact class.
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volcanic glass artifacts,, use-wear, residues, Moloka'i, Henderson Island (Pitcairn Group)
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17 pages
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