Determining the Function of Polynesian Volcanic Glass Artifacts: Results of a Residue Study

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.