A Typological Investigation of Western Micronesian Adzes
Craib, John Ligertwood (January 1977). A Typological Investigation of Western Micronesian Adzes (Thesis). California State University.
- Has attachment: File:4BRGTLUB.pdf
Abstract: This thesis is concerned with the discovery of patterns of variation extant among adzes blades occurring in the archaeological collections from western Micronesia
(Palau, Yap, and Mariana groups) in order to establish a classificatory system based upon morphological variables. These types were subsequently employed in the testing of hypotheses concerning culture-historical relationships and the relationship of source material utilization to tool morphology. Nine morphological types were established, based upon a systematic, though largely intuitive, classification. The spatial distribution of these types demonstrated a stylistic discontinuity among the three island groups. These differences were suggested to be the result of independent development rather than causation by differetial availability of source materials. Further analysis shows that material variability may cross cut morphological types with only minor influences on the types themselves. Suggestions for future research and analysis are offered.
