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In response to
"I was just looking at Fiji as interesting at least (due to Moana recency); I would hop around from island to island learning archaeology and languages. -- (edited)"
by
Max
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Or maybe to Yap? This is from my summary of our December lecture by Dr. James Snead on Paths, Trails, and Roads.
Posted by
Meg (aka Mojave)
Apr 10 '17, 15:06
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A more recent and ongoing project is taking place on the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia. While Yap is often noted for production and use of large doughnut shaped stones as currency the Yapese have also created an extensive network of stone pathways throughout the island. These generally have a center row of large slabs bordered by smaller stones and have plantings along either side. They are highly constructed and may be up to a meter above the surrounding area. Alongside there may be stone rest platforms with backrests. The society has a strong caste structure and some pathways may be restricted to high caste residents with parallel women’s paths. Women clean and weed the paths.
The purpose of various paths was described in relation to the village of Gagil. This was an administrative center to the south of a large bay. People wishing to petition the administration would cross the bay by canoe and take a trail from the shore to the village. Those wishing to just visit or trade would take a different trail around the bay, and approaching the village directly by canoe would be seen as an act of war. This variation of purpose is also seen in upstate New York where native trails are identified as war paths or peace paths depending on their use.
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Responses:
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