Prehistoric Archaeology in the Hawaiian Islands: Land Units Associated with Social Groups

Abstract

This report is concerned with the analysis of land boundaries and the social adaptation of community groups in prehistoric times in leeward Hawaii Island. Our aim is to present methods which enable researchers to proceed beyond the identification of social groups to detailed analyses of how much land was used by certain social groups. Methods for identifying boundaries of prehistoric land units and for associating these units with social groups are discussed. Social groups and their land associations at the time of European contact (1778 A.C.) are noted. Two archaeological methods for delineating prehistoric land boundaries are then presented — trail and buffer studies — and resulting land patterning is analyzed. The association of these land units with prehistoric social groups are studied, and initial results indicate that prehistoric patterning was very similar to the situation at the time of European contact. Patterns of community formation and land fissioning and fusion within the community are also postulated.