Archaeological investigation of ceremonial stone structures and late prehistoric societies in in northern Vanuatu

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Traditional societies in northern Vanuatu are known for the competitive leadership system of grade taking (suqe), and various ceremonial spaces associated with this practices are left on the landscape of the island. However, the process leading to the emergence of such systems is largely unknown. This project investigated ceremonial structures in the Banks Islands having distinctive brickwork facade, and basic structural and spatial characteristics of typical complexes were identified. These ceremonial complexes are of recent construction, most of which lasted into the post-contact era. These ceremonial complexes are mostly located inland or in areas suited for agricultural production; whereas different ceremonial structures are found along the coastal lowland, that are likely to have been associated with groups relaying on marine resources and shell-money production.