Pottery from Nan Madol, Ponape, Eastern Caroline Islands
Athens, J. S. (1980). "Pottery from Nan Madol, Ponape, Eastern Caroline Islands". Journal of the Polynesian Society. 89: 95–99. ISSN 0032-4000.
- Has attachment: File:ME8Z3JEZ.pdf
Abstract: The article “Pottery from Nan Madol, Ponape, Eastern Caroline Islands” by J. Stephen Athens explores the recent discovery and analysis of pottery at Nan Madol, a site on Ponape (now Pohnpei) in the Eastern Caroline Islands. Previously undocumented in the region, this prehistoric pottery provides new insights into the cultural and historical context of Ponape. Nan Madol itself is described as a collection of 92 artificially constructed islets on a lagoon reef, historically significant as a political and ritual center rather than a populous urban area.
The research is part of a multi-phase project by the Pacific Studies Institute, with initial efforts focused on surface collecting and mapping the islets cleared of mangroves. During a three-week period in 1979, an extensive collection was made on several islets, yielding 779 artifacts, including 392 ceramic pieces. This discovery is notable due to the scarcity of previous pottery findings in the region.
Preliminary analysis of the pottery reveals minimal decoration, with most pieces featuring only parallel rows of indentations along rim edges. The pottery varies in thickness and color, often showing signs of poor firing and fragility, though some well-fired pieces exist. There is speculation regarding whether this pottery was locally produced or imported, as it bears no clear resemblance to other Micronesian styles.
The identity and exact dating of the pottery remain uncertain, though it is assumed to be contemporaneous with the occupation of Nan Madol, predating significant Western contact. Future research aims to clarify the origins and dating of these artifacts further.
