Materializations of variable power strategies and inequalities in Polynesia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Polynesian societies have long framed discussions of chiefdoms. Often, these discussions treat Polynesia as a relatively homogenous region. Despite this, substantial variability in political forms developed in the region that came to affect the structure and nature of archaeologically attested past communities. Here we use two case studies to highlight these patterns: the Manuʻa group in West Polynesia and Moʻorea Island in East Polynesia. We demonstrate how a dualism in chieftainship based on the ideological flexibility of mana, defined loosely as active power, was used in each place, giving rise to different patterns of settlement and economic activities. This dualism intersects with archaeological models of corporate versus network power strategies. Elements of both strategies are evident in each of our case studies but to different degrees. Power strategies in Manuʻa are argued here to be more corporate, while those in Moʻorea were more exclusive.