A Historic Approach

Hanamiai: 800 Years of History

A view of the 1985 excavation and the adjacent ancient fisherman’s shrine. Each of the archaeological layers shown here represent a period of history, from early settlement to European contact. The layers were dated using radiocarbon analysis of charcoal collected from fireplaces.

Archaic: A.D. 1200 to 1450

The first settlers of Hanamiai introduced pigs, dogs, rats, breadfruit, taro, bananas, and other plants. Native birds and turtles were heavily exploited to supplement a diet consisting mainly of fish. Without access to metal, early inhabitants made tools of stone, shell and bone.

Late: A.D. 1450 to 1870

Artifacts from these layers date to after A.D. 1450 and through the period of European contact. The introduction of metal and other materials from abroad brought immediate change to Marquesan life and culture.

Drawing of Honu, chief of Tahuata (or Saint Christine Island), by William Hodges (1774).

Marquesan sailing canoe in the bay of Vaitahu, drawn by William Hodges, the artist on Captain Cook’s second voyage (1774).

So Teiefitu discovers one of the oldest dated fireplaces in the Marquesas.

European Contact

Hi’o Timau discovers a sheet of copper sheathing at Hanamiai in 1998

Jew’s harp made from bronze and iron (Acc. 1998-374)

Bordeaux olive oil bottle seal (Acc. 377)

European Contact

The Marquesas were first discovered by Europeans with the arrival of Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendaña in 1595. However, sustained contact and trade did not begin until after the arrival of Captain James Cook on his second Pacific voyage in 1774. In the years that followed, the Marquesas became a favorite stopping point for ships on their way to Asia and the South Pacific. As the whaling and sealing industries flourished, Americans and Europeans traded nails, iron, glass beads, beer, wine and muskets for food and water.

In 1842, the French Admiral Dupetit-Thouars seized control of Vaitahu and claimed the Marquesas for France. A fort was built above the bay, and a series of skirmishes followed as Marquesans resisted the imposition of French power. A sizable contingent of French soldiers continued to occupy the fort until 1862, when the seat of colonial power in the Marquesas relocated to Nuku Hiva. A large number of historic artifacts date to this period of sustained contact. The objects displayed here reflect the gradual changes in island life as Marquesas adopted European materials but also retained traditional tools such as stone axes.

Clay pipes (19th century)

These clay tobacco pipes were manufactured primarily in Glasgow, Scotland between 1846 and 1891. Some bear the stamp of the manufacturer, and the bowl of one is shaped like a face.

From the 2006 Ta’upoto and 1998 Hanamiai excavations, loaned by the families of Tahia Mitara and Naani Barsinas (Acc. TH5.S75, 2972).

French wine bottle seal (Château Lafitte)

This Château Lafitte seal is from a bottle of wine produced prior to 1868 in the Bordeaux region of France. At the time, this wine was one of the most popular varieties among Europe's upper class. The château, today known as Lafitte Rothschild, remains one of the world's most exclusive wineries.

On loan from the family of Francois Piu Barsinas (Acc. TH5.579).

Metal artifacts (19th century)

Metal was a high value exchange item during the historic period. These artifacts illustrate the long-term durability of bronze, lead and copper in comparison with iron.

Revolver (Acc. 1007)

Firearms (19th century)

Found in the rubble fill of a stone platform at Hanamiai in 1986, the decay of this revolver was slowed by the biscuit tin in which it was stored.

Loaned by Teiki Barsinas.

Musket ball and gun flint (19th century)

Flintlock muskets were the mainstay of European armes between 1660 and 1840. The flint strikes a piece of steel, creating a spark that ignites the gun powder. The flash of the powder then enters the combustion chamber, causing the gun to fire. The musket balls are made out of lead.

From the 2014 Hanamiai excavations. Loaned by the family of François "Piu" Barsinas. Acc. 2217, 2157.

Historic coins dating to 1732, 1832, 1843, 1866 and 1879, from Spain, France and Peru (1-5); French uniform button labeled "Regiment de la Marine" (6) (19th century)

The Spanish coin from 1732 (3) suggests the possibility of European contact between the voyages of Mendana and Cook.

From Ta'upoto, loaned by the family of Tahia Mitara (1, 6); found in Vaitahu town center (2); found at Pohopao'o and Hanamiai (1986), loaned by Teiki Barsinas (3, 4, 5).

Copper sheathing (19th century)

During the 18 century, copper sheathing was attached to the outside of ship hulls to protect the wood from deterioration. Use of copper sheathing ceased with the invention of modern anti-fouling paint in the mid-19th century.

From the 1998 Hanamiai excavations. Loaned by the family of Naani Barsinas. Acc. 1998.48.

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