via Journal of Indo-Pacific Archaeology, 22 December 2023: The beaked adze, a distinctive tool with a pointed cutting edge, emerges as a significant artifact in the late prehistoric period of the Western Pacific. Recent studies highlight its unique presence in Micronesia and Melanesia, underscoring its role as a symbol of social identity and authority. In Micronesia, these adzes are associated with high-status and sacred sites, while in Polynesian Outliers, they serve dual purposes as ceremonial objects and utilitarian tools.
Recent investigations of interactions in the western Pacific have focused on post-settlement contact between Micronesia and Melanesia. In the process the presence and importance of the beaked adze, an unique adze form with a pointed cutting edge, have not been given detailed attention.
Using ethnographic and archaeological sources, a distinct, albeit limited, pattern of oc-currence, provenance and chronology of beaked adzes is emerging in the western Pacific. The few dated contexts suggest that the presence of beaked adzes in the western Pacific did not occur until the last 500–700 years, spreading rapidly across Micronesia and islands along the northern fringe of Melanesia.
The rarity, workmanship and specific prove-nances of beaked adzes suggest that at least among many of the Caroline and Marshall Islands they served as symbols of prestige and social identity. Less is known about their function amongst the Polynesian Outliers although an ethnographic account indicates beaked adzes functioned as both utilitarian tools and ceremonial objects. Using oral histories to provide a cultural context, it is argued here this artifact re-quires more detailed attention and analysis.
Source: The Beaked Adze in the Western Pacific | Journal of Indo-Pacific Archaeology
