An archaeological review of Polynesian adze quarries and sources

Abstract

Adze quarries and sources are some of the most visible, unique and well-preserved Polynesian archaeological sites where stone technology, intensification of production, other aspects of economy, social organisation and ritual practices are anchored together on the landscape. The production and exchange of adzes are associated with complex interaction networks connecting islands and archipelagos up to 4000 km distant making adzes amongst the most widely transferred tools in the Neolithic world. Our review of Polynesian adze quarries and sources demonstrates that site descriptions are uneven hampering regional comparisons based on size, production output and internal complexity. We therefore provide suggestions for future research with the overall goal of making comparisons between these sites more meaningful. We believe it is an exciting time to be studying one of the most important site classes in archaeology not just to know how stone adzes were made, but what we can also learn about the development and variability of complex societies across Polynesia.