On the question of Anadara antiquata bivalve scrapers in the archaeological record of Tonga

Abstract

Expedient shell tool use among Oceanic peoples is widely known in ethnographic context but oftentimes almost impossible to identify in the archaeological record. This paper examines Anadara antiquata bivalve scrapers, a potential artefact type in the Kingdom of Tonga that is defined by a consistently formed ventral margin. To assess the veracity of tool identification and to ensure that the edge has not been created through natural breakage, a series of experimental studies was undertaken. These illustrate that the functional edge can be formed only through intentional preparation using an inside-out flaking technique on the ventral lip. A low-powered starch test on archaeological specimens further illustrates the presence of starch on the prepared working plane. Finally, an analysis of archaeological specimens from five Tongan sites seeks additional insight on morphological variation within the tool type.