A Hawaiian Adze Sequence or Just Different Kinds of Adzes

Abstract

Previous arguments about formal variability of Hawaiian stone adzes through time have been based on a paucity of data. Dated archaeological adze assemblages are now available to test previous notions about change in adze form through time. This paper presents the res ul ts of analyses of 147 adzes in the Bisho p Museum from dated archaeological contexts in 21 sites on 5 islands. The resul ts do not support the argument that there was a change from an early variable adze k.it to a later standardised form. It appears that adze forms were variable throughout the Hawaiian prehistoric sequence.