Multi-Regional Contacts of Prehistoric Fais Islanders of Micronesia
Michido, Intoh (1996-01-25). "Multi-Regional Contacts of Prehistoric Fais Islanders of Micronesia". Bulletin of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association. 15 (0): 111–117. doi:10.7152/bippa.v15i0.11539. ISSN 0156-1316.
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Abstract: “Multi-Regional Contacts of Prehistoric Fais Islanders of Micronesia” by Michiko Intoh examines the prehistoric settlement and extensive cultural exchanges of Fais Island, one of the coral islands in the central Carolines of Micronesia. The research highlights how the limited natural resources of the island led its inhabitants to maintain wide-ranging contacts with nearby high islands. This enabled them to access goods such as domesticated animals, pottery, and specialized fishing gear that were otherwise unavailable locally. Archaeological evidence suggests that Fais Island has been continuously inhabited for about 1900 years, a substantial period compared to other nearby islands.
The study reports that the islanders acquired domesticated animals like dogs, pigs, and chickens from the west. Pottery, particularly from Yap and Palau, was imported to Fais due to a lack of local clay. Pottery types align with those from the Yapese pottery tradition, with some sherds also identified as Palauan. Additionally, items like bamboo and turmeric were part of this exchange network. Fais held a unique position within this network, as it was the only island not to send its own canoes during certain voyages, instead receiving and facilitating the transportation of representatives.
Moreover, the study’s archaeological investigations revealed a significant presence of one-piece fishhooks made from turtle carapace and the extensive consumption of sharks, illustrating specific cultural practices of the islanders. The excavations also showed evidence of early rat bones, supporting the notion of early animal introductions to the island.
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MAG: 2092180289 OpenAlex: W2092180289 CorpusID: 129331951
