Current Research on the Island of Ua Huka, Marquesas Archipelago, French Polynesia

Abstract

Since 1991, an ethnoarchaeological research program has been carried out on the island of Ua Huka (Marquesas Archipelago, French Polynesia). The program included test excavations of early sites, the examination of dwelling and funerary sites, an inventory of surface monuments, an analysis of space utilization in recent periods, and ethnographic observations, all conducted concurrently. The aim of this program is to piece together the history of the Polynesian community inhabiting the island from the time of its arrival, through European contact, and even further. KEYWORDS: archaeology, Marquesas, French Polynesia, prehistory, ethnoarchaeology.