Ethnoarchaeological investigation of religious systems in Ancient Polynesia

This project aims to document and compare the long-term historical trajectories of Eastern Polynesian chiefdoms by developing an innovative approach to ancient ritual practices and monuments. Using archaeological, historical and ethnographic material, it is intended to foster a cross-disciplinary perspective while bringing together western and indigenous views. Anticipated outcomes of this project include a better understanding of traditional religious systems in Polynesia, and the development of a theoretical and methodological framework for the study of ancient rituals. It should further create a new model of collaborative research with Pacific Islanders for whom their legacy of ritual monuments bear a critical cultural significance.