Precisely Dating the Evolution of Complex Societies in Polynesia: The Hawaiian Example

Abstract:: One of the hallmarks of anthropological inquiry is understanding the evolution and transformation of complex societies and documenting sociopolitical and economic developments in Hawaii during the last few centuries before European contact, is crucial to charting the evolution of the most complex chiefdom in Polynesia. Because the last ~500 to 300 years in the radiocarbon dating calibration curve is problematic, we will develop a high precision uranium series chronology using branch coral (with standard errors of <5 years) for providing new insights into the process of culture change. This refined dating technique has implications for re-defining cultural chronologies throughout Oceania.
Grant type:: ARC Discovery Projects
Funded by:: Australian Research Council

The University of Queensland