Lithic economies and self-sufficiency: Stone tool production and consumption in a late prehistoric community of Moloka'i, Hawaii

Abstract

This study examines the inter- and intra-site assemblage variability of lithics excavated from six late prehistoric sites in leeward West Moloka'i, Hawaii. Both religious and domestic sites are represented including fishing shrines ( ko'a ) and a high-status house site. A comprehensive technological approach was employed integrating use-wear, typology and individual flake attribute analysis to identify production and consumption behaviours. Expedient tool manufacture and use was identified at most sites including the use of amorphous cores for flake tool production.