Pilot study: sourcing basaltic stone artefacts in Hawaii by U-series and 39Ar-40Ar dating

Abstract:: This pilot project aims to use new ARC-funded state-of-the-art analytical facilities and innovative dating techniques available at Univ of Queensland to determine the geological ages of individual basalt adzes from Hawaii and link them unequivocally to their respective geologic sources. This new methodology will provide definitive answers to the provenances of stone adzes and significantly improve our understanding of evolutionary models of trade, interaction, isolation and cultural divergence in the eastern Polynesia. The combined application of highly sophisticated analytical tools to archaeological artifacts will enhance international collaboration and strengthen Australia's role as the regional leader in multidisciplinary science.
Grant type:: ARC Discovery Projects
Funded by:: Australian Research Council

The University of Queensland