Prehistoric and historic faunal utilization in Pohnpei: An ecological and ethnoarchaeological understanding

Spatial variation and temporal changes in frequencies of archaeological faunal remains derived from four different regions on the island of Pohnpei, Micronesia, are examined in this dissertation. Both ecological and ethnographic models were employed to interpret archaeological evidence reflecting Pohnpeian subsistence behavior, such as exploitation practices, consumption patterns, and ritual or prestige use, during prehistoric and historic times.; An ecological model was formulated to examine variability in archaeological faunal remains reflecting subsistence activities. Three major marine ecological zones with subdivisions were defined in relation to marine food resources. Terrestrial resources are also discussed.; Ethnographic information regarding traditional procurement activities was systematically reviewed in order to interpret the prehistoric subsistence system. Ethnographic records indicate that both fishing and shellfish gathering techniques have been well designed to exploit the inshore ecosystem. Fish and molluscan remains discovered from archaeological sites confirm that the inshore area has been intensively exploited over the last 2000 years.; Coupled with both ecological and ethnographic models, intensive analyses of faunal remains clarify not only variation in different environments but also changes in subsistence patterns and human adaptation. The spatial analysis among the four regions shows significant variation due to different ecological contexts, particularly between those found on the main volcanic island of Pohnpei and on And Atoll. Marine faunal remains from the Nan Madol site complex show temporal changes in resource use that demonstrate human impacts on the adjacent coral reefs. Prehistoric builders removed a tremendous amount of coral from the surrounding reef flat for the construction of Nan Madol and this alteration of the reef environment is viewed as the most significant factor in changing the local subsistence.; Ethnographic studies, oral traditions and archaeological data show significant variation in regional marine subsistence reflecting local ecologies as well as changes through time. This evidence also demonstrates significant differences among archaeological sites in terms of how faunal remains, both marine resources and dogs, represent social status differences in the prestige economy.