Shellfish remains are ubiquitous to coastal archaeological sites in the Marquesas but have seldom been the focus of dedicated investigations into their contribution to past diet and daily life. On the island of Ua Huka, in the northern group of the archipelago, people have consumed a variety of shellfish since their arrival on the island around the early 12th century AD. By analysing assemblages from five coastal sites spanning from the early settlement until the 18th century and using an archaeomalacological approach (precise taxonomic identification, coupled quantification methods, observation of taphonomic processes, biometry), we attempt to recount the exploitation processes of this resource, from the initial gathering stage to the final discarding of the shell. We further explore inter-site and temporal variability in prey choice. Coupled with ethnographic accounts from European observers and insightful testimonies from current inhabitants of the island regarding present-day practices, we highlight the persistence of choices regarding species selection, breakage patterns and cooking processes on an island that has seen major subsistence changes since European contact. Bien qu'ubiquistes aux sites arch & eacute;ologiques c & ocirc;tiers de l'archipel des Marquises, les restes malacofauniques ont rarement fait l'objet d'& eacute;tudes d & eacute;taill & eacute;es quant & agrave; leur contribution & agrave; la subsistance et la culture mat & eacute;rielle pass & eacute;e. Sur l'& icirc;le de Ua Huka, dans le groupe nord de l'archipel, les populations anciennes ont exploit & eacute; une grande vari & eacute;t & eacute; d'invert & eacute;br & eacute;s marins depuis leur arriv & eacute;e sur l'& icirc;le aux alentours du XII & egrave;me si & egrave;cle de notre & egrave;re. Nous pr & eacute;sentons ici l'analyse arch & eacute;omalacologique (identification taxonomique pr & eacute;cise, quantifications multiples, observation de la taphonomie, biom & eacute;trie) d'assemblages provenant de cinq sites c & ocirc;tiers depuis les premi & egrave;res installations jusqu'au XVIII & egrave;me si & egrave;cle. Nous proposons une reconstitution des processus d'exploitation de cette ressource, de la r & eacute;colte de l'animal au rejet final de la coquille tout en tenant compte des variations inter-sites et temporelles. Les donn & eacute;es ethnographiques fournies par les premiers observateurs europ & eacute;ens, ainsi que les t & eacute;moignages des habitants de Ua Huka concernant les pratiques actuelles, nous permettent de mettre en & eacute;vidence la persistance de certains choix, de la s & eacute;lection des taxa, les types de fracturation aux processus de pr & eacute;paration et de cuisson, sur une & icirc;le dont la subsistance a connue des transformations majeures depuis le contact europ & eacute;en.

BackgroundFrench Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity in the Southeast Pacific, comprising 75 inhabited islands across five archipelagoes. The human settlement of the region corresponds to the last massive migration of humans to empty territories, but its timeline is still debated. Despite their recent population history and geographical isolation, inhabitants of French Polynesia experience health issues similar to those of continental countries. Modern lifestyles and increased longevity have led to a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Likewise, international trade and people mobility have caused the emergence of communicable diseases (CDs) including mosquito-borne and respiratory diseases. Additionally, chronic pathologies including acute rheumatic fever, liver diseases, and ciguatera, are highly prevalent in French Polynesia. However, data on such diseases are scarce and not representative of the geographic fragmentation of the population.ObjectivesThe present project aims to estimate the prevalence of several NCDs and CDs in the population of the five archipelagoes, and identify associated risk factors. Moreover, genetic analyses will contribute to determine the sequence and timings of the peopling history of French Polynesia, and identify causal links between past genetic adaptation to island environments, and present-day susceptibility to certain diseases.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey is based on the random selection of 2,100 adults aged 18–69 years and residing on 18 islands from the five archipelagoes. Each participant answered a questionnaire on a wide range of topics (including demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and medical history), underwent physical measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, arterial pressure, and skin pigmentation), and provided biological samples (blood, saliva, and stool) for biological, genetic and microbiological analyses.ConclusionFor the first time in French Polynesia, the present project allows to collect a wide range of data to explore the existence of indicators and/or risk factors for multiple pathologies of public health concern. The results will help health authorities to adapt actions and preventive measures aimed at reducing the incidence of NCDs and CDs. Moreover, the new genomic data generated in this study, combined with anthropological data, will increase our understanding of the peopling history of French Polynesia.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT06133400.

The contribution of shellfish to ancient subsistence has been overlooked in many archaeological studies in Central-East Polynesia. Archaeomalacology, however, can shed light on a wider range of exploited mollusks. In this paper we investigate the exploitation of the chiton Acanthopleura gemmata from the Hane Dune site, Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands. Although several previous studies have highlighted the importance of chitons in Hane's archaeological record, little information has been presented about this important subsistence item as it is seldom identified with precision and is usually quantified by weight. Using zooarchaeological methods, spatial analysis, and biometry, we demonstrate the importance of chitons in past 'Enata subsistence. We highlight the intensive exploitation of A. gemmata during the first three centuries of occupation of the site, beginning ca. AD 950, until its abrupt depletion, correlated with the progressive exploitation of the limpet Cellana radiata. Through this case study, we stress the importance of precise taxonomic identification and refined recovery protocols to better understand subsistence trends.

Parrotfishes are commonly exploited in artisanal fisheries in tropical and subtropical areas. Given their prolonged use, they are common finds in archaeological sites from Oceania. Despite their high occurrence in archaeozoological assemblages, the degree to which they have been exploited is difficult to estimate without any length and weight data. Here, we present an osteometric model for Chlorurus mircrorhinos, an ubiquitous species from the west-central Pacific Ocean, based on reliable body-length reconstruction from isolated skeletal parts. We collected 30 specimens from French Polynesia ranging between 336-713 mm total length and 304-5341 g fresh weight. The length-weight relationship was W = 3.36E-06*FL(3.)(296)(0 )with r(2) higher than 0.9. The model is based on neurocranium, premaxilla, dentary, maxilla, anguloarticular, quadrate, hyomandibula and the upper and lower pharyngeals. For each bone, three measurements were taken and the values were plotted against the fork length. All selected bones have at least one regression equation with a high r(2) (> 0.9) allowing reliable estimation of length and weight of C. microrhinos from its skeletal components. This study provides useful data for studies where bone conservation is affected by variable taphonomic factors or differential preservation, such as the stomach content of scarid predators, or archaeological and paleontological assemblages in Oceania.

The six-hectare site of Vaito'otia-Fa'ahia on Huahine Island in the Leeward Societies is renowned for its wealth of material culture typifying early East Polynesian settlement, including items of wood and fibre preserved by waterlogging, through the research of Yosihiko Sinoto and colleagues in particular. However, the stratigraphy for much of the excavated area is sketchy and no precise chronology of settlement is available. Renewed excavations in the Fa'ahia site area in 2007, although relatively limited in scope, produced more stratigraphic detail, additional faunal remains and artefacts, including a patu, and 12 new radiocarbon dates on short lifespan material from the lowest cultural layer which indicate initial human occupation about AD 1050-1160. In the light of this result, recent arguments for earlier initial colonisation of Central East Polynesia are reviewed. Chronological evidence adduced in these relies primarily upon radiocarbon samples with potentially substantial inbuilt age, and it is concluded that there is no empirical case for colonization of the region prior to the early eleventh century AD.

Stone tool geochemistry provides hard evidence for post-settlement voyaging and inter-island contacts in East Polynesia. This offers promising information on inter-community exchange networks that are not documented by ethnographic accounts. Drawing on “geochemical fingerprints”, provenance studies have slowly integrated geological data in order to better constrain the origin of archaeological material. However, the occurrence of overlapping geochemical signatures within Polynesian islands can cause difficulties when attempting to differentiate sources. Identifying clear geochemical characteristics for each island is therefore critical for a comprehensive understanding of the interaction patterns in East Polynesian societies. In this paper, we combine major and trace element data with isotopes as well as 40Ar-39Ar ages to constrain the local procurement networks that were occurring on the island of Tupua'i (Austral-Cook chain). We also demonstrate that some Tupua'i archaeological material originated from Eiao Island (Marquesas chain) circa 2000km north. This represents the first hard evidence for inter-island connections between the Austral and the Marquesas Archipelagos.

The Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) is a small commensal omnivore; its close association with humans throughout Polynesian prehistory suggests that dietary change in this species can provide insight into localized trends in site ecology and activity. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis was applied to archaeologically recovered Pacific rat remains from recent re-excavations of the Hane dune site, Ua Huka Island (Marquesas Islands) to investigate prehistoric patterns of human subsistence and site use. Our results indicate that early subsistence at Hane was marine-oriented and focused on exploitation of high trophic level marine carnivores including offshore fish and seabirds. A rat dietary shift in later prehistory (Phase III) points to greater investment by Marquesan people towards terrestrial arboriculture and animal husbandry, as well as to restriction of fishing practices to largely inshore exploitation. These results provide a new line of evidence towards interpreting the archaeofaunal record at Hane. Stable isotope analysis of small commensal species complements archaeofaunal and ethnographic data to provide further resolution to localized patterns of site use and subsistence practices. This analysis advances a low-impact method for investigating past environments and human activity.

From 1981, the atolls of Napuka and Tepoto in the Tuamotu Archipelago have been the site of an ethno-archaeological research project on the exploitation of the marine environment.1 The study, covering a long time span and set in a period of economic and cultural alterations, makes it possible to analyse how the fishermen of the atoll reacted to upheavals and technical innovations. The length and continuity of this project allowed a detailed study to bring to light problems resulting from the contradictions between traditional mentalities and the use of a new technology.

The Atiahara site is the first and only excavated site on Tubuai Island (Austral archipelago, French Polynesia). It was accidently discovered in 1994 and has been excavated on several occasions since then, over a surface of 197 m(2). This paper aims to present a compilation of the data available from the excavations, with a specific focus on stratigraphy, a spatial analysis of preserved occupations and new radiocarbon dates. We report a short dating sequence running from 1215 to 1390 CE, which makes the Atiahara site one of the earliest settlements in the Austral Islands. Finally, we mention the potential for tackling important topics in Polynesian archaeology through this key site, including the evolution of material culture and fishing strategies, socio-economic dynamics within a central Polynesian domestic context and possible climate variability in the region.RESUME Le site d'Atiahara est le premier, et a ce jour le seul, fouille sur l'ile de Tubuai (Archipel des Australes, Polynesie francaise). Decouvert fortuitement en 1994, il a fait l'objet de plusieurs operations archeologiques, et ce sur 197 m(2). L'objectif de cet article est de presenter une synthese des donnees spatiales et stratigraphiques recoltees au cours des differents terrains, ainsi que les datations radiocarbones effectuees sur des charbons issus des differents niveaux archeologiques. La sequence chronostratigraphique mise en evidence est relativement courte, avec des occupations domestiques datant entre 1215 et 1390 CE, ce qui fait d'Atiahara l'un des plus anciens sites de peuplement connu dans l'archipel des Australes. Nous evoquons les differents aspects qui devront etre abordes prochainement a travers l'etude de cet habitat cotier, et notamment les activites artisanales, les strategies de subsistance, et eventuellement les perturbations du climat au cours de la premiere moitie du second millenaire de notre ere.

We report on excavations and dating results from Maupiti Island, the smallest high island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands. Our discussion focuses on archaeological and paleo-ethnobotanical data from three coastal sites and two interior sites, in addition to presenting preliminary results of an inland reconnaissance survey. The first goal was to outline the settlement history of Maupiti, including aspects of coastal and inland habitation and subsistence. Utilizing data from auger transects, test excavations, AMS radiocarbon dating of short-lived species, and archaeo-botanical samples, we outline shifts in mid- to late prehistoric settlement and subsistence patterns. Wood charcoal and macro-botanical analyses provide evidence for human-induced landscape change and the first records of pre-contact vegetation on Maupiti. Excavations at two inland agricultural sites document the timing of agricultural intensification. Finally, utilizing data from the analysis of fish, marine shell, and terrestrial faunal remains in addition to the anthracology results, we discuss how vulnerable Maupiti was as a socioecosystem.

The question of demographic decline in the Marquesas Islands is here reinvestigated through an integrated approach to the particular case of Ua Huka. We first attempt to propose a new population estimate for the period prior to European contact, thanks to an archaeologically based method that relies on the length of sleeping areas available in the housing structures recorded in the valleys. From this estimate, we then use ethnohistorical accounts to reassess local demographic evolution throughout the 19th century. This leads us to partly nuance the impact of Westerners, especially the introduction of diseases, which on Ua Huka appears to have been less critical than other factors such as sociopolitical conditions, including intense warfare, linked to unfavourable environmental conditions.

Since the first excavations by Sinoto and Kellum in 1964-1965, the Hane dune site, situated on Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands, has been considered as a key site in central Eastern Polynesia and, as such, has been utilised in different colonisation models. However, some problems remained, particularly due to the lack of full publication of the original excavation results, and it appeared that these issues could only be resolved with new investigations. In 2009, the authors opened an 18 m(2) excavation that produced a controlled stratigraphy of ten layers. This paper presents the first results, focusing on the stratigraphy and new dates obtained, indicating a sequence of nearly six centuries, from early human settlement around the mid-tenth century until the abandonment of the dune around the mid-sixteenth century.

Nous proposons ici l'étude technologique d'une collection de 17 peignes à tatouer en nacre, découverts en contexte archéologique dans trois archipels de Polynésie française. Elle offre une reconstitution des processus de fabrication intervenant dans la chaîne opératoire et permet aussi d'intégrer ces objets originaux aux typologies existantes. Les peignes en nacre sont également replacés pour la première fois dans une perspective diachronique qui ouvre de nouvelles voies de réflexion quant au modèle de développement régional de ces artefacts.

Fishing has always been an essential component of the Polynesians’ life. Fishhooks, mostly in pearl shell, found during archaeological excavations are the artifacts related to this activity the most numerous. Thanks to them, we try to reconstruct the ancient techniques of resources exploitation, inside the lagoons and offshore. They can also be used as chronological and cultural indicators. The shapes and dimensions of these artifacts allow comparisons and classifications used in both functional approach and chrono-cultural perspective. Hence it is very important for the ethno-archaeologists to dispose of reliable methods and standardized measurement of these artifacts. Such a reliable objective and standardized method have been previously proposed. But this method cannot be envisaged manually because of the very important time required to measure each fishhook manually and the quantity of fishhooks to measure (many hundreds). We propose in this paper a detailed acquisition protocol of fishhooks and an automation of every step of this method. We also provide some experimental results obtained on the fishhooks coming from three archaeological excavations sites. Keywords—Automated measures, extraction, fishhook, segmentation.

New archaeological excavations were conducted in 2009 in the Hatuana dune site, Ua Huka, Marquesas archipelago (French Polynesia). The objectives of this research were to determine the complete stratigraphy of the western section of the site, and to obtain charcoal samples for radiocarbon dating. The results are presented here, updating previous dates by E. Conte, and enhancing our understanding of the place of the Hatuana coastal area in the island’s prehistory. The main occupation occurred during a period of warfare, suggesting that the place was used to control and prevent enemy attacks.

Molecular anthropology has been widely used to infer the origin and processes of the colonization of Polynesia. However, there are still a lack of representative geographical studies of Eastern Polynesia and unchallenged genetic data about ancient Polynesian people. The absence of both of these elements prevents an accurate description of the demographic processes of internal dispersion within the Polynesian triangle. This study provides a twofold analysis of ancient and modern mtDNA in the eastern part of French Polynesia: the Gambier Islands. The paleogenetic analyses conducted on burials of the Temoe Atoll (14(th) -17(th) centuries) represent the first fully authenticated ancient human sequences from Polynesia. The identification of the "Melanesian" Q1 mtDNA lineage in ancient human remains substantiates the Near Oceanic contribution to the early gene pool of this region. Modern samples originate from Mangareva Island. Genealogical investigations enable us to reliably identify the conservation of the Melanesian component in Easternmost Polynesia, despite recent European colonization. Finally, the identification of rare mutations in sequences belonging to haplogroup B4a1a1a provides new perspectives to the debate on the internal peopling of the Polynesian region. Altogether, the results laid out in our study put the emphasis on the necessity of controlled sampling when discussing the internal settlement of Polynesia.