CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CRM VOLUME 24 NO. 1 2001
Pacific Preservation
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Cultural Resources PUBLISHED BY THE VOLUME 24 NO. 1 2001 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Contents ISSN 1068-4999 Information for parks, federal agencies, Indian tribes, states, local governments, Pacific Preservation and the private sector that promotes and maintains high standards for pre serving and managing cultural resources
DIRECTOR Pacific Preservation 3 Heritage Eco-Tourism in Micronesia— Robert Stanton David W Look Expectations of Government Officials 30 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR CULTURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP Cultural Landscapes and Protected Dirk H.R. Spennemann, AND PARTNERSHIPS Areas—New Partnership Opportunities David W Look, and Kristy Graham Katherine H. Stevenson in Micronesia 5 Interpretive Enhancements EDITOR Mark O. Rudo Ronald M. Greenberg for Rota Route 100 33 Preservation through Visual Andrew W. Smith ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthropology and Training— Janice C. McCoy Micronesia—Preserving Case Study from American Samoa 9 a Fragile Resource 35 GUEST EDITORS Micah Van der Ryn David W Look Patricia Luce Chapman MarkO.Rudo Paula F. Creech The Adze Quarries of Tutuila 13 The Micronesia and South Pacific John Enright Program—A Decade of Cultural ADVISORS Resource Preservation Assistance 38 David Andrews Editor, NPS Finding Help to Restore a Landmark ..15 Maradel K. Gale Joan Bacharach John Enright Scott M. Fitzpatrick Curator, NPS Randall J. Biallas Historical Architect, NPS Artifacts of Our [ti] Facts 17 An Applied Approach to Archeology John A Burns Maria Annie Flores in Palau 41 Architect, NPS Harry A. Butowsky Scott M. Fitzpatrick Historian, NPS Guam's GIS Program 21 Vicky N. Kanai Pratt Cassity Executive Director, Victor Hara Torres National Alliance of Preservation Commissions The Challenges of Survey and Muriel Crespi Site Preservation in the Republic Dealing with Human Remains— Cultural Anthropologist, NPS of the Marshall Islands 44 MaryCullen An Approach from the Richard V Williamson Director, Historical Services Branch Northern Marianas 23 Parks Canada Scott Russell Mark Edwards German Colonial Heritage Historic Preservation and Culture Resource Group Manager URS Greiner Woodward Clyde Federal Services in Micronesia 46 Compliance, Science, and Research— Roger E.Kelly Jon G. O'Neill Archeologist, NPS Archeology in the Mariana Islands ... .25 Antoinette J. Lee Dirk H. R. Spennemann Historian, NPS Jeannette A. Simons Training in Pohnpei, Federated ASSISTANT The Navy and the Protection of States of Micronesia 48 Denise M. Mayo Pacific Cultural Resources— William S. Ayres A Unique Challenge 27 Emensio Eperiam An electronic version of this Wendy M. Coble issue of CRM can be accessed Jungle Warfare 2000 51 through the CRM homepage at Felicia R. Beardsley
Design and Imaging Cover: Stone money, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, photo by William Murtagh, 1994, see arti McCoy Publishing Services cle, page 41; deBrum House, exterior and interior views, Republic of the Marshall Islands, photos by [email protected] David W. Look, see article, page 46.
Statements of fact and views are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect an opinion or endorsement on the part of the editors, the CRM advisors and consultants, or the National Park Service. Send articles and correspondence to the Editor, CRM, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Suite 350NC, Washington, DC 20240 (U.S. Postal Service) or 800 North Capitol St, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20002 (Federal Express); ph. 202-343-3411, fax 202-343-5260; email:
2 CRM No 1—2001 David W. Look Pacific Preservation
his issue of CRMis an overview federal agencies have responsibilities in the of cultural resource management Pacific under Sections 106 and 110 of the in the Pacific. Pacific preser National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as vation raises many questions: amended. Jeannette Simons' article is a summary PreservatioTn of what? For whom? Why? How? of the Navy's compliance with its Section 106 There are always conflicting priorities especially and 110 responsibilities. The U.S. Navy is also for the allocation of time, effort, and funds. Prior responsible for more than 350 shipwrecks and to such allocation, consideration must be given to 4,200 aircraft wrecks in the Pacific. In her article, determining what is significant and worthy of Wendy Coble covers 32 CFR 767, which requires preservation. Each society assigns significance to anyone wanting to conduct research and/or cultural resources based on its respective values. recovery on U.S. Navy historic cultural resources The Pacific is a large, diverse area with lay to obtain a permit from the Navy Historical Center's Underwater Archaeology Branch. Recording map ers of history and influences. This issue focuses ping data points mainly on part of Polynesia (the area defined by Besides describing the preservation treat at Nan Madol on the triangle from Hawaii to New Zealand and ment of a World War II battery, John Enright in Pohnpei's east "Finding Help to Restore a Landmark" relates coast. Using a Easter Island; only American Samoa is included Global in this issue) and Micronesia (the area of the America's 100-year-history in American Samoa Positioning Pacific west of Hawaii stretching north of the and Patricia Chapman gives a brief history of System unit, America's involvement in Micronesia. Chapman Kristin Vanwert equator to the Philippine Sea, excluding the part (right) takes of Micronesia south of the equator). also describes the Micronesia Institute and the notes while Lisa How and why is the United States, and in Micronesian Endowment for Historic Andon holds the Preservation, two non-governmental, non-profit recording particular the National Park Service (NPS), antenna and involved in the Pacific? The NPS administers organizations established to provide assistance. Derelisa Ardos seven parks in Hawaii, the National Park of Mark Rudo gives additional information about (left) reads the the NPS involvement through the Trust Territory instrument panel American Samoa on Tutuila and Manu'a, War in screen reporting the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam, period and discusses establishing "protected" the location. See and American Memorial Park on Saipan in the areas, rather than "traditional parks" as a way to Ayres and preserve and protect cultural landscapes. Eperiams article, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana page 48. Photo Islands, and manages the Historic Preservation Spain, Germany, Japan, and other countries by W.S. Ayres. Fund grants for the Pacific. The NPS and other have an interest in the Pacific and have provided assistance in preservation. Spain has invited some of the Pacific historic preservation officers and staff to Madrid to discuss re-establishing cultural ties and providing assistance. Germany and Japan have funded some projects. Jon O'Neill and Dirk Spennemann's "German Colonial Heritage in Micronesia" looks at preserving the fragile remains of a very brief segment of Pacific history. The primary duties of all historic preserva tion offices include survey, inventory, evaluation, registration, and preservation. In his article, Richard Williamson writes about the difficulty of surveying tiny atolls all in private ownership scat tered over vast areas of ocean and the positive effect of public education to preserve the intangi ble past as groundwork in preserving the physical past. Other parts of the Pacific have different
CRM No 1—2001 3 In addition to the National Park Service and other federal agencies, which provide train ing and education in the Pacific, one of our part ners, the University of Oregon, has a long history of contributions. Maradel Gale and Scott Fitzpatrick give the basic tenets of the program and a sample of the products. In "An Applied Approach to Archeology in Palau," Scott Fitzpatrick and Vicky Kanai demonstrate through the Ormis Cave project how the site was surveyed, documented, and registered. This and other projects in the Pacific have compiled large sets of data. In their essay, William Ayres and Emensio Eperiam recommend establishing an electronic database to store, sort, and retrieve sur vey and inventory information. Through a special HPF grant, the Guam End wall of challenges making survey difficult and mainte Historic Preservation Office has established the Kinyear Fulat on nance almost impossible. The beautiful, lush Guam Geographic Information System Program. Leluh, Kosrae, In his article, Victor Torres argues that the Guam Federated tropical foliage of the high volcanic islands causes States of severe problems as portrayed in Felicia Beardsley's GIS is critically important and well worth the Micronesia. article. effort. Banyon trees In some parts of the Pacific, tourism vali have colonized John Enright's "The Adze Quarries of the wall and Tutuila" exemplifies what can be learned from dates the cultural and economic importance of now serve as sites and the societies that created them. Scott historic preservation. Spennemann, Look, and the principal Graham's "Heritage Eco-Tourism in Micronesia" supports within Russell's "Dealing with Human Remains..." the wall struc addresses a most sensitive topic. The examines the expectations of government officials ture; their roots Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for cultural and natural-based tourism. Andrew pass through Smith brings to center stage the challenge of the wall and Standards for the Treatment of Human Remains have gradually establishes priority treatments for four classes of developing an innovative mitigation strategy, undermined the remains—Ancient Chamorro, Historic, World which enhances interpretation and meets local structural permit requirements. The result will hopefully be integrity of the War II, and Modern. wall itself. See Theft and vandalism of objects from prehis a safe scenic highway with access to cultural Beardsley's arti toric and historic sites are common problems. resources enriching the lives of both residents and cle, page 57. visitors. Photo by Felicia Maria Annie Flores brings home the question, Ft. Beardsley. "Who owns the past?" If our collective past Although we have only scratched the sur belongs in a sense collectively to the whole soci face of the subject of this issue of CRM, all of ety, then the deliberate removal or damage of any these articles together give insight into the cur significant part of our heritage is a crime against rent state of preservation in the Pacific. Pacific all humanity. The respect for and the proper societies have survived many natural disasters and treatment of our heritage can be emphasized in centuries of outside influences and have managed public education and outreach programs. This to preserve their own distinctive cultures. May it can also be, and probably better, achieved by pre always be so. serving traditional values that respect the culture David W. Look, AIA, is Chief, Cultural Resources Team, and the resources produced by the culture. Pacific Great Basin Support Office, National Park Cultural resources are both tangible and intangi Service, San Francisco, California. He is guest co-editor of ble. Micah Van der Ryn provides insights into this issue o/VZRM. documenting and preserving intangible aspects of culture that in turn enhance the cultural continu For copies of the Micronesia Resources ity and identity of a community and its tangible Study reports and the Rota Heritage Eco-Tourism: resources. Findings & Recommendation, please contact
4 CRM No 1—2001 Mark O. Rudo Cultural Landscapes and Protected Areas New Partnership Opportunities in Micronesia
he preservation of cultural Preservation Office, which conducted archeologi- resources is the broad mission of cal and historical projects throughout the TTPI. historic preservation officers Much of that work was documented by the (HPOs) in the Republic of Micronesian Archaeological Survey report series PalauT, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) (MAS) published by the former TTPI Historic and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. These Preservation Office and now published by the three nations are jointly referred to as the Freely Historic Preservation Division of the Associated States of Micronesia. "Free Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Association" describes their continuing relation Islands. ship with the U.S. following termination of their The TTPI Historic Preservation Office and dependent status under the former Trust the National Park Service nominated 33 sites to Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, five The United Nations formally established of which were listed as U.S. National Historic the U.S. trusteeship in Micronesia in 1947 after Landmarks. Most of these properties, like the the World War II capture of the islands by the German-era deBrum House on Likiep Atoll in U.S. Individual "Compacts of Free Association" the Marshall Islands and the Japanese Artillery with the U.S. provide each of the Freely Road on Pohnpei in the FSM, represent colonial Associated States with vital access to the U.S. history. There are notable exceptions though; for Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) by authority example, the megalithic residential complex of of the National Historic Preservation Act of Leluh on Kosrae and the carved stone monoliths 1966, as amended. of Melekeok in Palau. Historic Preservation in Micronesia From 1986 to the present, the NPS has Since 1974, the HPF has been the primary awarded individual HPF grants to each of the source of funds for government sponsored preser Freely Associated States and has helped to vation work in Micronesia. It provides critical develop their historic preservation offices. With support for a variety of projects ranging from the one-time additional funds from Congress, NPS development of national resource inventories and and the Micronesian Endowment for Historic preservation legislation, to village-based restora Preservation cooperated to carry out the tions of traditional sites and the audio-visual doc Micronesian Resources Study (MRS). The MRS umentation of traditional practices. was designed to inventory archeological and The Freely Associated States also contribute ethnographic resources and to provide training limited funding for preservation, and local com and material support to the new historic preser munities provide much in the way of labor and vation offices. The 11 volume MRS report series resources in kind. The importance of traditional published by NPS documented these projects. heritage and identity is reflected in the constitu NPS also monitors grant activities and pro tions of both the FSM and Palau, while the vides limited training in archeology, ethnography Marshall Islands have perhaps the most compre and grant administration. It ensures that at least hensive preservation legislation of the three one historic preservation staff member of each nations. nation, typically an archeologist, meets the U.S. From 1974 to 1985, the annual HPF grants Secretary of the Interior's professional qualifica administered by the U.S. National Park Service tion standards.2 Palau currently has one cultural (NPS) were given to the Territorial Historic anthropologist as well as an archeologist. Under
CRM No 1—2001 5 the general supervision of their HPOs, parapro- Later colonization by Europeans and Asians fessional staff work closely with their archeologist in the 19th and 20th centuries further altered the or cultural anthropologist. In the FSM the para- ecology of some islands by emphasizing the pro professional staff work independently most of the duction of copra (dried coconut meat); logging time since the archeologist must rotate among the inland hardwood stands and coastal man each of the four states of Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk grove forests; and removing large amounts of (Truk), and Yap. In addition to the FSM national beach sand to make concrete. World War II and historic preservation officer, each of the four pre-war militarization also affected a number of FSM states has its own state HPO. National and islands. Consequently, the inhabited islands state HPOs also cooperate with and monitor out exhibit a variety of culturally modified landscapes side researchers. (cultural landscapes). Threats to cultural resources vary with their In documenting historically significant cul materials and geography. Singly or in combina tural landscapes in the U.S., the NPS typically tion they include but are not limited to land- includes the following kinds of material compo altering developments; vandalism; neglect by nents: circulation networks (e.g., paths); bound owners; and deconstruction by natural forces ary demarcations (e.g., walls, streams, and such as tropical storms, oxidation, rot, and pow ridges); vegetation related to land use (e.g., crops erful tree roots and vines. and trees); buildings, structures and objects; With few exceptions HPF projects and archeological sites; and small-scale elements (e.g., activities have not been designed to support the rock cairn trail markers). Evident processes affect creation of parks or protected areas for cultural ing the landscape such as land use, spatial organi resources. Traditional culture as represented by zation, related cultural traditions and response to individual archeological and ethnographic sites, the natural environment are also documented. and traditional practices are still the primary foci This kind of scheme can be implemented at dif of HPOs. Recently there has been interest in try ferent levels of detail and need not be very intru ing to develop projects that document and pre sive into secret knowledge or histories sometimes serve traditional cultural landscapes (explained associated with traditional culture sites. below) and to make them accessible to tourists In Micronesia, the use and management of within a context of sustainable heritage tourism. landscapes take place within a context of agro- As will be discussed, pursuit of this strategy may forestry. Agroforestry may be defined as: lead to partnership opportunities to enhance and ...a sustainable land-management system broaden cultural resource preservation and better which increases the overall yield of the land, integrate it within the economies of local com combines the production of crops (including munities. tree crops) and forest plants and/or animals Landscape Conservation and simultaneously or sequentially, on the same Management unit of land, and applies management prac tices that are compatible with the cultural The Micronesian islands do not represent practices of the local population.' unmodified natural environments. The voyaging agriculturist ancestors of the current populations Agroforestry and fishing constitute the first settled Micronesia approximately 2,000 years backbone of local subsistence economies in the ago and earlier. As a result, the settled islands Freely Associated States. Although patterns and have long been culturally managed for food and rules of ownership are changing, traditional sys materials production and there are few tems of land tenure still predominate, and are untouched areas. With initial colonization: complex. For example on Yap: The modification of island ecosystems began Land ownership involved multiple rights of in earnest as native forests were cleared to use and one piece of land might belong to one make way for root-crop gardens and for person but be subject to the consent of orchards of tree-crops [and also living spaces]. another, be lived on by a third, and harvested ...Under conditions of low population den by a fourth party. This complex system of land sity it is possible for forests to regenerate but control resulted in considerable diversity in more often than not the cleared land is gar management while preventing widespread dened repeatedly and a highly transformed changes to large pieces of land. "second growth" vegetation comes to replace the original rainforest.^
6 CRM No 1—2001 cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means/ In the future, more such areas are likely to be established throughout the developing Pacific including Micronesia. In current theory,8 for sub sistence-based economies, protected areas that combine conservation with sustainable, locally controlled economic use are preferable to more traditional "parks." In conservation history, parks were often established by fiat and resulted in the removal of local settlements and prohibitions on using park resources. Comparisons of these two different approaches in Fiji and the Solomon Islands show the practical value of the community based 9 Direct threats to landscapes stem from a approach. On Pohnpei, recent experience in the Loal Village establishment of a forested watershed reserve by canoe landing variety of sources, including but not limited to site, Kosrae, overly intensive agriculture; erosion; neglect; the state government is also instructive. Federated States commercial deforestation; clearing and filling of Established in part to protect a diminishing of Micronesia. watershed from the negative effects of planting This site is coastal mangrove forests; urbanization; and con located at the struction development projects. Indirect threats sakau trees (a now popular cash crop used to pro edge of a man stem from the disintegration of traditional cul duce a mildly narcotic beverage with deep roots grove forest and in traditional culture), it was violently opposed is part of a cul tural relationships and practices that formerly tural landscape maintained the landscapes, and the people's by local communities and traditional leaders. that has been changing economic and cultural aspirations for They perceived it as a confiscation of their prop altered by road erty and rights. The eventual resolution of the construction. the land. conflict was a long-term program of direct com The site is pro The preservation and sustainability of land tected and inter munity participation in the planning and man scapes for the purposes of food and materials pro preted by the agement of the Reserve and the development of Kosrae Historic duction, supplying clean water, maintaining bio alternative sakau planting schemes. Preservation diversity, preventing environmental degradation Office. Photo by and sustaining future heritage tourism are pri Bringing Historic and Landscape the author. mary concerns of many local people, traditional Preservation Together leaders, and state and national government agen Micronesians have created and maintained cies. To help protect landscapes in the Freely cultural landscapes for over 2,000 years. Their Associated States, international financial and landscapes constitute home, heritage, and liveli technical assistance has been provided by the hood. They are strewn with thousands of tradi U.S. Forest Service, the South Pacific Regional tional culture sites ranging from shell middens Environment Programme, the Nature and abandoned taro pits to elevated stone path Conservancy, and the Asian Development bank. ways and megalithic residential complexes. Many In particular, the establishment of "pro of these sites play important roles in local history tected areas" in combination with direct, long- and traditional culture. This is in addition to the term community input into planning and unique roles they play in defining the broader resource management was or is being undertaken history and identity of Micronesian peoples. in Pohnpei (Watershed and Municipalities); Unfortunately, many of these sites are also Kosrae (Utwa-Walung Conservation Area); the lost, neglected, and in danger of destruction. Nor Marshall Islands (Jaluit Atoll Conservation Area); is it likely they will survive the demise of their and Palau (Ngaremeduu Conservation Area and associated landscapes that are being increasingly Ngerkewid Islands Wildlife Preserve). A pro affected by the integration of Micronesia into the tected area can be generally defined as: world economy. The establishment of formal parks that restrict land use and access for the pur An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated pose of preserving cultural resources, including to the protection and maintenance of biolog cultural landscapes, does not seem to be a viable ical diversity, and of natural and associated option at this time for most of Micronesia.
CRM No 1—2001 7 Community based landscape preservation toric preservation when dealing with other initiatives in the Pacific currently focus on con agencies and outside organizations to enhance serving biodiversity while accommodating the their stature and prospects for outside funding development of modern sustainable economies. and assistance. The establishment of protected areas for these purposes may afford opportunities for participa Notes 1 tion by historic preservation offices. 16 U.S.C. 470 Section 101(e)(6)(A). 2 Department of the Interior, National Park Service: In supporting these initiatives, historic "The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and preservation offices have much to offer: Guidelines for Archeology and Historic • Organizational scheme for identifying and Preservation" in Federal Register 48:190 (1983) documenting cultural landscapes and their 44738-44740, and "The Secretary of the Interior's components (i.e., that used by NPS). Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards" in Federal Register 62:119 (1997) 33708- • Expertise in the identification and documenta 33723. tion of traditional and historic archeological 3 Patrick Vinton Kirch, On the Road of the Winds: An sites and features that are associated with the Archaeological History of the Pacific Islands before landscapes. European Contact (Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: • Access to previous archeological research docu University of California Press, 2000):59. mented by reports in the libraries of the his * National Park Service, National Register Bulletin 30 Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Rural toric preservation offices. Historic Landscapes by Linda F. McClelland, J. • Ability to propose limited archeological and Timothy Keller, Genevieve P. Keller and Robert Z. ethnographic research projects funded by the Melnick. Department of the Interior. HPF. 5 W.C. Clarke and R.R. Thaman (eds.) Agroforestry in Of particular interest and benefit might be the Pacific Islands: Systems forSustainability (Tokyo, research into the historical ecology of the area New York, Paris: United Nations Univetsity Press, cl993), 10. This book provides detailed descrip that would help to explain the processes by which tions of agtofotestty in Micronesia and other Pacific the natural landscape was transformed into a cul regions. tural landscape. This kind of research has been ° Marjorie V.C. Falanruw, "People Pressure and successfully undertaken in Polynesia by teams of Management of Limited Resources on Yap." In archeologists and natural scientists.10 In return Jeffrey A. McNeely and Kenton R. Millet (eds.) National Parks, Conservation, and Development: the for their contributions, historic preservation Role of Protected Areas in Sustaining Society, offices might enjoy some or all of the following (Washington: Smithsonian Institution Ptess, 1982), benefits: 351. • Increased community recognition and support 7 IUCN [World Conservation Union], 1997 United of their programs. Nations List of Protected Areas (Cambridge: IUCN, • Access to restricted community lands for the 1998):xiv. 8 Michael Wells and Kattina Brandon with Lee purposes of cultural resource inventory. Hannah, Peoples and Parks: Linking Protected Area • Unified and possibly more efficient venue for Management with Local Communities (Washington: historic preservation activities that now focus The World Bank, The World Wildlife Fund, The on individual dispersed sites rather than on U.S. Agency for International Development, 1992). groups of sites within a common cultural land 9 Annette Lees, "Lessons from the Pacific: Linking Traditional Ownership Development Needs and scape. Protected Ateas." In PARKS'4:1 (Gland: • Regular preventive maintenance (e.g., clearing) Commission on National Patks and Protected of important cultural sites. Ateas, IUCN, 1994). • Increased role in land-use planning and man 10 Patrick V. Kirch and Terry L. Hunt, eds. Historical agement, and more serious consideration for Ecology in the Pacific Islands: Prehistoric historic preservation by national and state gov Environmental and Landscape Change (New Haven, London: Yale Univetsity Press, 1997). ernments. • Recognition and support from regional and Mark O. Rudo is a National Park Service archeologist international environmental organizations. based in San Francisco, California. Since 1997, he has Finally, in assisting with the establishment been the cultural resource management advisor to the and maintenance of community based protected Micronesia Historic Preservation Fund Program. He is areas, historic preservation offices should be also active in the National Historic Landmarks and mindful of maintaining leadership roles in his Archeological Assistance Programs. He is guest co-editor of this issue ofCKM.
8 CRM No 1—2001 Micah Van der Ryn Preservation through Visual Anthropology and Training Case Study from American Samoa
his paper describes an effort in ritory of the United States allows American cultural preservation through Samoa to have its own constitution that can visual anthropology (specifically legally perpetuate the traditional chieftain (matat) ethnographic video production) system and its associated communal land tenure in AmericaTn Samoa, a tiny island group in the system. Nonetheless, American Samoa is experi middle of the South Pacific, which shares a com encing cultural change and a loss of traditional mon 3,000-year-old cultural history with the ways and knowledge as young people, influenced neighboring islands of the independent state of by television, education, and living overseas, Samoa. Samoans (living in American Samoa, incorporate more American lifestyles and values. Samoa, and overseas countries) constitute one of The American Samoa Community College the largest single groups of Polynesians in the (ASCC) is the only institution of higher learning world. in American Samoa, and one of its missions is to On the whole, Samoans pride themselves in instill and perpetuate an understanding of their Samoan cultural identity and refer to their Samoan culture and traditions through its cur culture as a "living culture." There is a pervasive riculum and activities. ASCC hired me as a desire in both Samoas to preserve or continue the trained visual anthropologist to work in its Samoan culture in the face of change. In Samoan and Pacific Studies Program (SAMPAC) Saofa'i (title American Samoa, which has experienced the to develop a program of ethnography and visual investiture) of High Chief most change in lifestyles and values, due mainly anthropology that would support this mission. Gaoteaote at to its strong ties to and economic dependence on The program is now three and one-half years old. Vatia, Tutuila, the U.S.A, the basic traditional social order still We have been extensively involved in three basic American Samoa. Photo by holds. Why? Because American Samoa's chosen activities: ethnographic and oral history docu the author. status as an unincorporated and unorganized ter mentation, which has provided the raw material for the ethnographic video archive at ASCC; training stu dents in ethnographic video pro duction; and production of final ethnographic videos for use in the classroom and for broadcast on local television. My intent is not to describe and evaluate this entire program of activities, but rather to offer several important insights gleaned through this work that may be helpful to those inter ested in using video as a tool in the field of cultural resource management and preservation. It is pertinent first to define our terms. The term culture has
CRM No 1—2001 9 been defined in a variety of ways for the last 100 field notes; or in the representation, description, years by anthropologists, but for this article I will and interpretation of a community and their cul simply define culture as referring to the more or ture — ethnographic films analogous to ethno less shared and collective ways of thinking, graphic monographs. Whether using visual behaving, communicating, and living that bind a media or not, or any other methods, the anthro group of people together in a common identity. pological emphasis has been on extracting infor The phrase "preservation of culture" is problem mation from a community (typically an exotic atic because culture represents a dynamic and non-Western one) with which to produce some fluid process of patterned human interactions. thing (ideas, a book, a film...) for a Western Perhaps a more accurate term would be cultural audience. The materials generated have not his continuity. However, we can talk about preserva torically been made readily available to the com tion and management of cultural resources, munities from which they were extracted. Their which in turn can enhance cultural continuity potential value as a cultural resource for these and identity in a community. communities was, therefore, not being realized. Cultural resources include objects (build Evidently, anthropologists did not see this use as ings, utilitarian everyday items, works of art, a priority. etc); places/spaces associated with cultural activi Before my employment at ASCC, I had ties; and people, in whose minds cultural and spent several years producing ethnographic historical knowledge is kept and through whose videos and films concerning contemporary behavior culture is manifested. These different Samoan society and culture in a transnational types of cultural resources are all interdependent. context (Samoan islands and U.S. mainland). If you preserve a cultural object, but not the These videos went into educational distribution, knowledge of its value and use, you only have but I was frustrated to see that they were not partial preservation. A community may cease to reaching the Samoan communities through this perform certain rituals and ceremonies if the distribution method. So I had to make my own associated sacred places have vanished. The concerted efforts for the videos to be seen within records (textual, visual, and auditory) kept in the Samoan community, both stateside and in and of a community represent a fourth type of the islands, where they could have more of a cultural resource. The cultural resource value of community impact. My employment at ASCC these records stems from their "ethnographic- has offered a great context to develop visual ness"—their ability to reveal cultural information. anthropology projects that become cultural Visual Anthropology as resources in the community, which is where I Cultural Resource feel they can realize their greatest social value. Visual and audio records of people in their There is not enough space here to describe communities, conducting ceremonies, using all the various projects we have conducted, but I technologies, interacting, and telling their mem would like to describe briefly two projects done ories and understanding of their lives are about in 1998. Comparing and contrasting these pro as close as one can come to actual preservation of jects will reveal the difference between documen culture. While culture changes, these records tation and documentary and their complemen remain fixed. These records may be a cultural tary roles as cultural resources. resource to the communities from which they are The first project was an ethnographic field extracted only when they are made available and school, which was funded with a grant from the promoted for such use. I will describe here two National Park Service Cultural Resource of a handful of projects we have conducted at Training Initiative. This grant helped launch our ASCC that can help demonstrate this role. First, whole ethnographic and visual anthropology however, it is relevant to provide a little more program through the purchase of digital video background on visual anthropology. equipment, the training of students, and the Visual anthropology, a growing sub-field of establishment of a Samoan ethnographic video cultural anthropology, has primarily been con archive using materials produced during the field cerned with the use of visual media (i.e., still school. It was a three-week field school, eight film, motion film, and video) documentation days of which were spent in the village of Vatia as a tool either in the research of a people's on Tutuila in American Samoa doing the field- culture—raw footage analogous to ethnographic work and documentation. The other days
10 CRM No 1—2001 Students and (before and after the field- instructors of the work) we used for initial 1998 American Samoa training, and for post-pro Community duction cataloging and tran College scribing of interviews. Ethnographic Field School. Eighteen students completed Photo by the the training, four of which author. were paraprofessionals from Micronesia involved in the work of cultural and historic preservation there. The rest of the students were young Samoans at the college. Ethnographic Documentation One of the outcomes of the field school was a two-hour video that docu ments the ceremonial investiture of a high chief community's efforts toward cultural continuity. title of the village. This was an extremely impor The cultural resource value of this video has tant and rare village (as well as district) event. It since been realized several more times, including involved the transfer and distribution of a huge a year later when several of Vatia's chiefs watched amount of wealth—food, money, fine mats (the and studied the video carefully as part of plan traditional currency of ritual exchange)—over ning another ceremony. several days of ritual gift-giving, as well as the We can call this type of video "documenta performance of a large scale sacred 'ava (kava) tion" because its value comes from its faithful ceremony. All 18 students were involved in the ness in representing whole events. Furthermore, documentation of this event. The documenta it makes no attempt to interpret or interrelate tion footage, which was shot from five different data. We cannot assume, however, that video video cameras in five different positions, was documentation has no bias—that it is objective later edited together so as to faithfully as possible representation. Every angle, long shot, or close represent what actually took place without losing up has an implicit point of view—certain things any of the significant parts of ritual or oratory. are made more important or significant by how The village then invited us to show this they are cinematically framed, and some impor video to a group of matai (chiefs) and youth in tant though minute objects or actions may elude the village. About 40 people of Vatia village were the videographers attention. Yet, documentation able to attend the screening, which was held in must strive to keep the integrity of single events the Methodist church of Vatia. In the question intact, and should avoid cutting out any actions and answer period following the screening many or words that participants deem to be integral to of the villagers asked their chiefs about the pur that event. pose and meaning of various rituals in the cere The Ethnographic Documentary mony. It is doubtful that such an educational In contrast to ethnographic documentation discussion would ever have taken place without is the ethnographic documentary, which may such a screening of the video. The screening have a strong ethnographic theme (it is trying to established the context for the discussion to depict and interpret a culture) and as such inten occur; and the video documentation reminded tionally takes a point of view on the subject. The people of what took place, and in some cases contrast is almost analogous to the contrast revealed things that they had not realized were between observational field notes and a final there or had taken place. This experience in turn ethnographic book. Footage of various people, stimulated questions and discussion about sym places, and events are intercut with interviews bolic meanings of different aspects of the ritual. and narration to tell a story, explore a theme, and Screening the video in the village helped to real convey a message or an interpretation from the ize the video's value as a cultural resource in a filmmaker to an audience about a socio-cultural
CRM No 1—2001 11 subject. The ethnographic filmmaker integrates American Samoa's public television station segments of ethnographic documentation to both broadcast the documentary several times, and the elicit and reveal socio-cultural themes and infor village mayors at their monthly meeting have mation. The film (or video) documentary, like reviewed and discussed the program. We are cur the video documentation, can also serve an rently planning a repeat broadcast followed by a important role in cultural continuity, but this public forum of village mayors and government role is realized differently as the following exam department heads discussing the issues presented ple will demonstrate. in the video. Video copies are also being distrib One prime example of a documentary that uted to all relevant government departments as we produced as a cultural resource at ASCC was well as schools. This distribution should increase our 1998 production of Malae: Sacred Ground. community awareness of the issue, which may This video was collaboratively co-produced at help effect the preservation of village malae. ASCC by the Office of Forestry, Division of In contrasting documentation with docu Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources mentary we can see how both forms, though con (Land Grant) at ASCC and the SAMPAC pro structed quite differently, can serve complemen gram. My role was as a production supervisor. tary roles in efforts to promote cultural continu Local people trained in broadcast journalism ity. The first form realizes its value through were hired to help write, shoot, and edit the keeping events as whole as possible so that video. (The fact that they were Samoans conver records of the past can be researched and studied sant in their culture helped to balance the fact to increase understanding. The second form that they were not specifically trained in the reaches its value by stimulating and motivating tenets of ethnographic film production.) people to care more about preserving a valuable Malae: Sacred Ground was specifically pro cultural resource — in this case, malae. duced with the goal of stimulating the people of Conclusion American Samoa to consider the preservation of a My work as ethnographic specialist/instruc threatened cultural resource — their malae. tor at American Samoa Community College con Malae are the open ceremonial grounds that tra tinues with many more projects involving oral ditionally every Samoan village must have. As history, legends, sacred sites, traditional uses of one interviewee stated, "Malae are the heart and resources..., which are proving to play a useful soul of each village." In recent years, many of the educational role in the college as well as the com village malae in American Samoa have become munity as a whole. Although historically the smaller due to development and population majority of ethnographic filmmaking and docu growth, as well as a decreased public value of mentation has not been performed with the aim their cultural and historical significance. of serving the communities at which it was The video aims to remind (or inform) undertaken, it has been my goal as an ethno Samoans of the importance of village malae in graphic filmmaker to reverse this trend, at least Samoan culture and history; and evaluate the here in American Samoa. I find it exciting to pro social and environmental issues surrounding the duce ethnographic documentaries that may have diminishing of village malae (at least in some a direct positive impact in the community. areas). The video incorporates and juxtaposes early historical stills of village malae (acquired Micah Van der Ryn is a visual anthropologist who with assistance from both the American Samoa received his training at the University of Southern Historic Preservation Office and American California. He currently teaches in the Samoan and Pacific Studies Program at the American Samoa Samoa Archives) with images of those same Community College. He has conductedfieldwork in malae today, interviews with village chiefs and American Samoa, independent Samoa and with Samoan scholars of Samoan culture, scripted narration, communities in California. Tatau: What One Must Do and other relevant footage. and A Chief in Two Worlds are two of his ethnographic documentaries that are currently in distribution.
12 CRM No 1—2001 John Enright The Adze Quarries of Tutuila
he island of Tutuila is the main Here and there on the ridges, ridge spurs, island of American Samoa in the and steep mountain sides of Tutuila can be found South Pacific, the sole American outcrops of particularly high-grade, fine-grained possession in the Southern basalt. Samoan ancestors found, developed, and HemisphereT. In the pre-western-contact period of quarried these outcrops. Thus far we know of 10 Samoa's 3,000-year history, Tutuila (53 square such basalt quarry sites on Tutuila. The four miles of mainly high volcanic mountains) was largest of these quarries are located in the moun known as an exile isle, where dissidents from the tains behind the villages of Leone, Faga'itua, and larger islands in the west of the archipelago were Tula and on a ridge spur in Fagasa. banished. To the trained eye, these sites tell a story of In recent decades, archeologists and histori hundreds of years of continuous use and thou ans have been able to assemble some of the pieces sands of manhours of arduous toil. The more we of a story that greatly enhances our understand learn about these sites, the more a scenario of ing of the importance of Tutuila in the centuries long-term, intensive industry emerges, and this before western contact. This story starts high on scenario affords us a rare opportunity to envision the jungled ridgelines of the island, extends down the day-to-day activities and lives of people long to our shoreline, and stretches out to other far- gone and unable to tell their story in any other flung islands in the Pacific. It is the story of the way. stone quarries of Tutuila. From the dense scatter of basalt "flakes," Grinding stone Metallurgy was not practiced by traditional "cores," "blanks," "preforms," and pieces of tools basins ffoagaj at Pacific island cultures. Until the arrival of metal that characterize these sites, and from the stone Sogi on the coast below the implements brought by Euro-Americans, Pacific and earth-work, man-made platforms, founda Tataga-matau islanders fashioned what nature provided into tions, and fortifications that have been excavated adze quarry, tools and weapons. Archeological research has in association with the largest site—Tataga-matau Tutuila, American Samoa. Photo provided evidence of shell, bone, obsidian, and in Leone—we can reconstruct an ancient manu courtesy the stone implements, all carefully crafted for specific facturing industry that also speaks of prehistoric Feleti Barstow purposes. Highly prized for the manufacture of social organization and economic relations. No Public Library s and the Rotary stone tools (to i ma^d) was a dense, dark volcanic other such quarries have been found on any other Club of American rock called basalt. A variety of adzes (matau), islands in Samoa. These were special, export- Samoa. chisels, and scrapping tools were made of basalt. quality basalt tools. From Tataga-matau Leone Bay is far below you when you can see it through the jungle canopy. The footing can be treacherous. This is the site of the largest basalt quarry found—50 acres of once intensely occupied land, now mainly bush. Because of its significance, Tataga- matau has been entered on the National Register of Historic Places. Here is where it all begins, at a large basalt outcrop, where "blanks" were rock hammered out of a core boulder. Down slope, the way the basalt pieces were discarded at various steps of manufac ture allows us to reconstruct the stages needed to make each type of tool. A sense of the social order of the manufac turers takes shape when we realize that tools were made in an assembly line fashion with different
CRM No 1—2001 13 stages of tools com The exciting thing about this story from the pleted at different past is that it is still unfolding before us as we areas in the quarry. explore it. And what is the meaning of all those Related Articles Best, S., P. Sheppard, R. C. Green and R, Parker, 1992. fortifications guard Necomancing the stone: Archaeologists and adzes ing the quarry? Why in American Samoa. Journal of the Polynesian such extensive Society, 101:45-85. defenses? Clark, Jeffrey T., Elizabeth Wright & David J. Herdrich, 1997. Interactions within and beyond the Down at Sogi, Samoan Archipelago: Evidence from basaltic rock on the Leone coast, geochemistry. In Prehistoric Long-distance are hundreds of Interaction in Oceania: An Interdisciplinary foaga in the black Approach. Edited by Marshall I.Wiesler. New Zealand Archaeological Association Monograph 21. lava flow, hand-worn Auckland. bowl-shaped depres Kirch, P.V., D. Steadman, V.L. Butler, J. Hather, and sions, where the M.I. Weisler, 1995. Prehistory and human ecology basalt adzes went in Eastern Polynesia: Excavations at Tangatatau rockshelter, Mangaia, Cook Islands. Archaeology in Front and back through the final sharpening and polishing step Oceania 30:47-65. views of a Type I in their production. Why so many? How many Leach, H.M, and D. Witter 1987. Tataga-matau adze from Ta 'u people sat here at the high-tide line putting the "rediscovered." New Zealand Journal of Archaeology island, American final touches on the island's major prehistoric 9:33-54. Samoa. Photo —1990. Further inverstigations at the Tataga-matau courtesy export? How many voyaging canoes from differ site, American Samoa. New Zealand Journal of American ent islands pulled at their stone anchors in the Archaeology 12: 51-83. Samoa Historic Preservation bay? Weisler, M., 1993. Chemical charaterization and Office. Many of Tutuila's prized adzes did leave the provenance of Manu'a adz material fusing a non island as trade items. Thanks to recent develop destructive X-ray fluorscence. In RV. Kirch and T. L. Hunt (eds), The To'aga Site: Three Millennia of ments in the elemental analysis of basalt rock, we Polynesian Occupation in the Manu'a Islands, can trace to Tutuilan quarries adzes discovered on American Samoa. Contributions of the University of the islands of Manu'a, Western Samoa, Tonga, California Archaeological Research Facility 51:167- 87. Berkeley. Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Cook Islands. This examination of pre-contact trade relations John Enright is the Territorial Historic Preservation has just begun, but already Tutuila has assumed a Officer for the American Samoa Historic Preservation historic role at the center of a great regional trade Office, Executive Offices of the Governor, American in fine stone tools. Samoa Government, Pago Pago, American Samoa.
14 CRM No 1—2001 John Enright Finding Help to Restore a Landmark
lthough they were never fired at the subsequent battles of the Coral Sea and the enemy, the four six-inch Midway halted the Japanese Navy's push to con naval guns defending the quer the South Pacific, and Samoa was spared the entrance to Pago Pago Bay on scars of modern war. The guns guarding Pago the islanAd of Tutuila remain as mute reminders of Pago Bay were left to rust and be claimed by the a time almost 60 years ago when American jungle. Samoa briefly stood on the front lines in In 1987, the Naval gun site atop Matautu America's war with Japan. Ridge at Tulutulu Point, commonly called Blunts In 1941, in anticipation of the coming war, Point Battery, at the western entrance to the Bay gun emplacements were built on the jungled was designated a national historic landmark. The ridges on both sides of the harbor entrance. The landmark includes one of the two original guns ridge locations were not accessible by roads. of the Battery. Since its designation, however, the About 1,000 Samoan laborers (basically the landmark had been largely ignored by the entire male workforce of the island) were hired to American Samoa government on whose land it haul the cement, aggregate, and reinforcement sits and by the local Department of Parks and bars to the ridge tops; and somehow the massive Recreation, which was nominally responsible for guns, carriages, and ammunition were lofted into its maintenance. Access was difficult, dangerous, place. and unmarked. The gun emplacement and In the grim months following the attack on accompanying bunkers were flooded and over Pearl Harbor, the Japanese advance in the Pacific grown by jungle. appeared to be unstoppable. Samoa was a vital In April 2000, the islands of American link in the route from the United States to Samoa were to celebrate the centennial of their Australia and New Zealand, and Japan's 1938 cession to the United States. More than two years Basic War Plan called for its seizure. There was before the centennial, the American Samoa considerable evidence in early 1942 that Japan Historic Preservation Office (ASHPO) initiated was preparing to seize Samoa, especially after its efforts to repair and restore historic sites associ advance into the Gilbert Islands to the north and ated with the Territory's Naval period (1900- The lower Blunts New Britain to the west. The United States 1951). The Blunts Point Battery National Point Gun as it rushed the 2nd Marine Brigade to strengthen Historic Landmark was high on its list. looked prior to American Samoa's defenses and the 3rd Brigade The main problem was a lack of funds. restoration. March 1998. to defend Western Samoa and Wallis Island. ASHPO is the sole U.S. state and territorial his Photo by David American Samoa became the largest Marine toric preservation program that operates entirely J. Herdrich. Corps installation in the Pacific Ocean. However, without any local funding. The American Samoa government was, as always, experiencing a severe economic crisis. There was no budget for repairs, no hope for an ad hoc appropriation. Through the efforts of the governor's office, a contingent of 10 U.S. Navy Seabees was assigned to American Samoa for the express pur pose of helping with the repairs to historic struc tures and sites. In March 1999, a crew of five Seabees began work on Blunts Point Battery. Following plans drawn up by ASHPO and the Amercan Samoa Department of Public Works, the Seabees constructed cement stairways and paths to the Battery. They drained the emplacements and bunkers, cleared the long-
CRM No 1—2001 15 But the landmarks single gun still needed to be cleaned of rust, treated, and painted. ASHPO was fortunate to find an Eagle Scout, Eti Vele, looking for a challenging project to take on for his Eagle Scout Merit Badge. Under ASHPO's direction, Eti and his buddies under took the considerable task of wire-brushing, seal ing, priming, and painting the big gun and its base. Through donations from the community, Eti paid for all the materials and supplies needed to complete the job. And he got his Eagle Scout badge. All was completed in time for the centen nial celebration. Today, ASHPO staff can safely take tours of school children to the landmark site and tell them about their grandparents' efforts to defend their island and what life was like in those times of nightly blackouts and anticipation, the island Boy Scouts clogged drains, and cut trees and vegetation away swarming with thousands of Marines. clean the con from the sites and approaches. The necessary It would have been easier to write a work crete gun enclo pumps, welders, and construction materials were sure and order against appropriated funds and just have it remove rust scrounged and borrowed. The Seabees (from done, but that was not possible. By the end of from the lower NMCB5) did a great job. this process, more people had become involved, Blunts Point When the Seabees were finished, however, Gun using sand and in a traditional community such as American paper and wire much was still left to be done. ASHPO decided Samoa that is what really matters. The Eagle brushes. to turn the several acres of ridge top grounds sur Scouts, Americorps, and the Land Grant folks December rounding the Blunts Point guns into an arbore have all committed themselves to the long-term 1999. Photo by Analosa Vele. tum of Samoan heritage trees and plants and maintenance of the landmark and its park. invited the American Samoa Community A lesson that life in the islands keeps teaching College's Land Grant Program foresters to take is that the process is what contains the meaning, on the new park as a model project. An incre and its products are always properly transitory. mental replanting plan was devised and imple mented. Maintenance of the new park was John Enright is the Territorial Historic Preservation adopted by the local Americorps Volunteers as a Officer for the American Samoa Historic Preservation community project. This was done at no cost to Office, Executive Offices of the Governor, American Samoa Government, Pago Pago, American Samoa. ASHPO or the American Samoa government.
Aerial view of the Rock Islands of Patau. See related article, p. 41. Photo by Tom McDonald.
16 CRM No 1—2001 Maria Annie Flores Artifacts of Our [ti]1 Facts
ecent reports of stolen artifacts on of traditional cultural values and beliefs associ Guam have been covered by local ated with Guam's natural landscapes. radio talk shows and newspaper Documenting traditional values and beliefs, reports. A photographer tipped through the experiences of the manamko, could RleneR Steffy, the host of "Rlene Live," K-57 enhance our understanding of how these artifacts Radio, to express his outrage when he discovered have managed to exist in Guam's landscape, per lusong*- had been removed from a historic site he haps even predating the arrival of European voy frequently visited for photography purposes. agers. If these artifacts have always existed in Thieves removed two stones that were well publi Guam's landscape, prior to Guam's first historic cized when it was photographed for the 1996 preservation plan, what traditional Chamorro Guam telephone directory. value(s), if any, might still serve to protect arti In order to remove these artifacts, a vehicle facts from thievery and destruction today? equipped with specialized apparatus would have Assisted by family elders, shortcomings of to have been used to transport it out of a valley Guam's current program became obvious. that has been described as remote. Contrary to According to Charo-Bobi (pronounced Tsa-row- reports, the site is easily accessible during the dry boe-bee), the family techa/ season, by vehicles with four wheel drive. Juss bicussyou buy the lann, dussin minyou own Removing the artifacts was a very ambitious ven those [latte stones] thingks. You tell those peep- ture. Thieves intended to steal two lusong, and ull to leaf them [the artifacts] alone bicuss they part of a latte,-' however, the latte-was left at the are diss-turbing thingks that dont bilong to site after it cracked while being pried out of the them. Ee-fen doctors understand the beleaf of earth. Desired for landscaping, one of the stolen the taotaomona", thass why peepull come see me. Hwen efree ting is finiss, they [the sick or dis artifacts now sits in the front yard of a private turbed] will not talk about what they dit bicuss home. Latte stones and its dis-wrist-speck-full/ For weeks, the public debate between pri lusong historic 8 sites are showing vate ownership rights and respect for traditional As a child, my father learned that places up in residential cultural values continued in the airwaves, reveal filled with latte stones are to be avoided because landscaping. ing more than just ambiguities in Guam's laws. of their association with taotaomo'na. Why any Photo by the author. The occasion also served to legitimize the survival one would bring a grave marker to their home was incomprehensible to him. Then my father just had to ask, Bebee. Hwen dit these things become our-ti- facts?9 These sentiments resounded into imagery that was not easily distanced. The experience recalled critiques of colonial discourse and post- colonialism.10 Developing strategies to address theft and vandalism of historic sites was further complicated on the eve of the golden anniversary of the signing of the Organic Act of Guam.' It was apparent that Guam's traditional sense of place12 was being displaced by the western meth ods of preservation. While envisioning all the var ious ways Guam's current program conveys ^ his toric significance, traditional sense of place was nowhere to be found.
CRM No 1—2001 17 and relevant as they should be... Finally, how can the answers to these questions become incorporated into a field that cuts across aca demic disciplines, professional practice, and a number of public policies.14 Like the nation, Guam has had 25 years to reflect on the results of earlier preservation initia tives. Guam's program has changed considerably since 1976 and although many improvements have since been made, the program may not be as effective as professionals in the field would like to think. Unlike Guam, the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia, through the Micronesian Endowment for Historic Preservation, have been Various stones The issue of theft and vandalism of historic allowed and encouraged to participate in the lining a private sites on Guam, provides the opportunity to seri design of their preservation program model(s) to driveway. Photo ously consider whether Guam's current program meet the respective values and beliefs of their by the author. design could still allow for the preservation of peoples. indigenous knowledge systems and values. Being In Micronesia, historic preservation involves of the position that they have always existed, the more than historic places; it includes oral his merits of this claim, if viewed through the cur tory and oral literature, art forms, music, rent program, would ostensibly be challenged as dance, ceremonies, and perhaps most impor having little to no impact in improving today's tant, tradirional values and beliefs. Historic preservation practices and policies addressing places are important to Micronesian people largely because they are physical links to tra theft and vandalism of historic sites. ditional beliefs, traditional forms of social and The first concern would be how to validate political integration, and traditional moral the existence of tradirional value systems and values. Values and traditions are as important beliefs. An inter-disciplinary study could be as historic places, and are cherished whether designed to accomplish this. The outcome of this they have a physical, real property referent or 15 study may again be argued as being outside of not. Guam's current program needs, citing the lack of Returning to my father's question, adequate personnel and budgetary constrainrs. Again, being of the position that traditional value Bebee. Hwen dit these things become our-ti- facts? These things should be treated like turtles systems and beliefs associated with latte stones and fanihi (fruit bats). No buddy should own and lusong have always existed, the merits of this them. There should all-sue be stiff pennol-tees claim, if viewed through the current program, for those ack-sep-ting eni kind of our-ti-fact. fuss would ostensibly be challenged, for a few reasons cole it ack-sep-ting stolen prop-pa-tee. Your office already mentioned. However, the greatest chal needs to come down hard! Im tellin you right lenge to overcome yet would be the endless now. Its juss like the poe-tsing deer. If caught, rhetoric of Guam's rapid urbanization as proof of you con-fi-sket the truck, the guns and the car cass. You bedder tsek into that low ray-dee-you the non-existence of traditional values, beliefs actiffpent to start marking all the things and and traditions. buy a Geiger counter. They use that in the me- During a 1997 symposium entitled, lee-tary. Is safe. 1(> Preservation of What, For Whom?: A Critical Look at Historic Significance, David L. Ames, Ek-wah Dad! But I'll be sure to make your Chairman for the National Council for concerns known. Preservation Education, recognized the need to Haunani-Kay Trask was right when she examine the field of historic preservation today: wrote of colonialism and sovereignty in Hawaii in 1993, .. .the field has matured significantly since the late 1960s. Looking ahead, we must ask ...I had misunderstood this written record, whether the programs, policies, standards, thinking it described my own people. But my guidelines, and processes that currently gov history was nowhere present. For we had not ern historic preservation are still appropriate written. We had chanted and sailed...and
18 CRM No 1—2001 prayed. And we told stories through the great voyagers. If these artifacts have always existed in blood lines of memory, genealogy. Guam's landscape, prior to Guam's first historic Written records, produced by professionals preservation plan, traditional Chamorro values in the field of preservation now serves as evi and beliefs may be used to enhance our under dence. Latte stones and lusong can appropriately standing of historic significance to further be viewed as artifacts of our "not" facts. Historic improve current practices and policies in protect significance has rested largely on the facts of ing artifacts from thievery and destruction today. archeologists as well as former and present profes Notes sionals of historic preservation, not the values 1 According to Jose Rivera Flores (see note 8.), 77 is a and beliefs of the people. For whom then, have negative marker in the language of Chamorro peo these artifacts been preserved for? ple, meaning "not." See also Donald Topping, Fortunately, the National Park Service has Pedro M. Ogo, and Bernadita B. Dungca. become cognizant of differing values in the Chamorro-English Dictionary. Pacific and Asian Marshalls, Belau and the FSM. The NPS has Linguistic Institute Language Texts: Micronesia. increased emphasis on the recognition of tradi (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press 1975): 202. Hereafter CED. Many Chamorro speakers do not tional cultural attributes and the preservation of agree with the definitions listed in this dictionary. special sites other than those of archeological 2 The word lusong, was not a Chamorro word typi interest. Through much assistance of the Western cally used by Jose Rivera Flores or Charo-Bobi (also Field Office, (now the Pacific Great Basin known as Mrs. Rosario Toves, see note 5). They Support Office) of the National Park Service in were both familiar with the word metate, a stone San Francisco, emphasis has been made to design typically used for grinding food, but not lusong. historic preservation programs to meet the needs Lusong is defined as the Chamorro word for mortar. of respective peoples of Micronesia. Guam's pro ^ According to Jose Rivera Flores and Charo-Bobi, latte stones are stones that matk the location of gram can benefit greatly from the results of the human burials. Places filled with latte stones ate also Micronesia Resources Study and the various pro associated with taotaomo'na. Both Flores and Charo- grams that have since been implemented as they Bobi often referred to latte stone sets located in vari were designed. ous locations of Tumon, that have since been bull dozed by the U.S. Navy. Taotaomo 'na can be classi One important feature and recurrent theme fied furthet according to their physical size. In Scott of the [training] project was their concern Russell's book, Tiempon I Manmofo'na: Ancient over what might be best characterized as cul Chamorro Culture and History of the Northern tural values. Micronesian historic preservation Mariana Islands. (Division of Historic Preservation, office staffs and the broader communities 1998), Micronesian Archeological Survey Report No interested in preservation frequently empha 32: 17-36, latte stones are made of two parts. The sized the need for a greater focus on tradi ttapezoidal pillar, called haligi and the hemispheri tional culture, over more typical historic cal cap, called tasa. They are found on the islands of preservation interests in archeology and his Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. They served as toric buildings.18 foundations to support above ground thatched It is time for Guam to re-evaluate how its dwellings. The stones vary in size. The earliest known written descriptions of latte stones were current program interprets historic significance made in 1742 by Commodore George Anson and and re-consider all the possible ways it is being his officers while on Tinian. The first sketch was conveyed to the community for which historic that of the House ofTaga by Percy Brett, a junior sites are being preserved. Guam should consider officer. In 1880, Olive y Garcia, the Spanish gover examining preservation models that have been nor of Guam, suspected that the latte sites were designed to meet the cultural needs of islands inhabited before European discovery. He observed similar to Guam, such as those in Micronesia. It that Chamorros had a superstitious fear of touching and working the stones or the land they occupy, is not too late for Guam to preserve traditional because the places were associated with human cultural values and beliefs associated with latte burials. The definition in CED". 122, is not an accu stones and lusong in order to protect and preserve rate description. them. One way to document traditional values 4 According to Jose Rivera Flores, manamko means and beliefs is through the experiences of the man- the old people or eldets. Manaina (plural). amko. Doing so will enhance our understanding ' According to Jose Rivera Flores and Charo-Bobi, a of how artifacts have managed to exist in Guam's techa is a prayer leader. The dictionary defines it as landscape, even predating the arrival of European one who leads prayers. CELh 201. Not to be con-
CRM No 1—2001 19 fused with suruhana, a traditional herbalist or herb own history and heritage." See William Chapman. doctor. Charo-Bobi is occasionally requested for "Introduction." In Preserving Hawaii's Traditional assistance in situations where an individual is Landscapes: Conference Proceedings at the University afflicted with a serious illness or experiencing unex of Hawaii in Honolulu Hawaii September 15-17, plained emotional disturbance. 1995, edited by William Chapman and Chris Kirk- " Taotaomo'na are the spirits of the "People from Kuwaye, viii-xiv. Hawaii: Historic Preservation Before." Program, Department of American Studies, ' As spoken by Charo-Bobi, preserved in vernacular University of Hawaii at Manoa, National Park colloquialism. English translation: Just because you Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Historic buy land, it doesnt mean you own those [latte Preservation Division, State of Hawaii Department stones] things. You tell those people to leave them of Land and Natural Resources, Historic Hawaii [the artifacts] alone because they are disturbing Foundation, Hawaiian Historical Society, East West things that don't belong to them. Even doctors Center: viii. understand the belief of the taotaomo'na, that's why '^ Edward Said points out that while the French and people come see me. When everything is finish, British were expanding their colonies, ideas about they [the sick or emotionally disturbed] will not the colonized were also being formed. In a host of talk about what they did because its disrespectful. scholarly and literary works, the colonized were ° Jose Rivera Flores, age 66, familian Bonik, has trav described as inferior, irrational, depraved, and child eled extensively while serving 22 years in the U.S. like. "Scientists, the scholar, the missionary, the Armed Forces. He retired from military service in trader, or soldier could be there [in the Orient] with 1974, and retired from government of Guam ser little resistence on the Orient's part under the vice in 1995, after serving 27 years. He is the father general heading 'Orient,' within the umbrella of of the author. 'Western Hegemony' during the end of the 18 th 9 As spoken by Jose Rivera Flores in vernacular collo century emerged a complex Orient suitable for quialism. English translation: Baby. When did these study in the academy, for display at a museum, for things become artifacts? reconstruction in the colonial office, for theoretical 10 Post-colonial studies: A literary movement, emerg illustration in anthropology, biology, linguistics, ing mostly from within English departments in the racial and historical theses about mankind and the United States and elsewhere, that attempts to universe for instances of economic and sociological describe and understand the experience of colonized theories of development, revolution, cultural per peoples before and after colonization, by an exami sonality, national and religious character." See nation of texts: books, images, movies, advertising, Edward Said. Orientalism. (New York: Pantheon and so on. It simply does not mean studies "after Books, 1979): 8. According to Antoinette J. Lee, in colonization." "Diversifying the Cultural Resources Profession."
20 CRM No 1—2001 " National Park Service. "Micronesian Resources buy a Geiger counter. They use that in the military Study: Protecting Historic Properties and Cultural [to mark government property.] It's safe. Traditions in the Freely Associated States of '•' Haunani-Kay Trask. From a Native Daughter: Micronesia." A report on cultural resource manage Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawaii. (Monroe, ment needs in the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Maine: Common Courage Press, 1993): 154. For Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of another perspective, see Lin Poyer. "Defining Palau. (March 1994.): 4. History Across Cultures: Islander and Outside As spoken by Jose Rivera Flores preserved in vernac Contrasts." ISLA: Journal of Micronesian Studies 1 ular colloquialism. English translation: Baby. When no. 1 (Rainy Season 1992): 73-98. 18 did these things become artifacts? These things William Chapman and Delta Lightner. "Historic should be treated like turtles and fanihi (fruit bats) Preservation Training in Micronesia, An Assessment [endangered species]. No body can own any of it. of Needs." CRM 19:3 (1996): 13-14. There should also be stiff penalties for those accept ing any kind of artifact. Just call it accepting stolen Maria Annie Flores is a historic preservation specialist for property. Your office needs to come down hard! I'm the Historic Resources Division, Department of Parks and telling you right now. It's just like poaching deer. If Recreation, Guam. She is a graduate student of caught, you confiscate the truck, the guns and the Micronesian Studies, University of Guam. She has been carcass. You better check into that low radio active awarded a grant from the Guam Humanities Council paint to start marking all the things [artifacts] and and the National Endowment for the Humanities for oral history research of Francisco Quinata Sanchez.
Victor Hara Torres of Guam's Water and Environmental Research Institute (WERI) was selected as the contractor to conduct the GIS training and development of the GIS historic sites coverage and application. Guam's GIS Program The development of the historic sites cover age was actually quite simple because the GHPO already had in place a Historic Sites Inventory he Guam Historic Preservation database. This database with selected site infor Office (GHPO) is now utilizing mation had either single point or boundary coor Geographic Information Systems dinate data for each site. The GHPO GIS uses (GIS) technology. In fiscal year the site single point coordinate data in the data 1998-199T9 the GHPO applied for additional base to create the historic sites map coverage as historic preservation funds from the National points or selected symbols on digital maps. Park Service to develop a GIS program. The pro It was in solving problems associated with ject involved the purchase of computer hardware, using the base maps and the cadastral map data a plotter, GIS software, training, and the comple that WERI's expertise became invaluable. The tion of specific tasks. GHPO decided to utilize both the USGS topo A primary reason for developing the graphic maps and Government of Guam's 1992- GHPO's GIS capability was to update Guam's 94 Digital Orthophotos as base maps. Though Historic Sites Inventory (GHSI) maps. The addi useful, the USGS topographic maps were last tion of hundreds of sites to the site inventory by revised in 1975. Therefore, the government of an early 1990s building boom necessitated such Guam's Digital Orthophotos, photographed from action. The existing 1:4800 Orthophoto maps, 1992-1994 were also used for their more current which were over 20 years old, were also cumber ground data. Due to the different base map coor some for fieldwork. Newer site locations were dinate systems, Universal Transverse Mercator hand drawn onto paper United States Geological Grid (UTM) and Government of Guam Grid Survey (USGS) maps and not the old (GG) respectively, software was purchased that Orthophotos. The USGS paper maps began fray would calculate existing UTM coordinate values ing at the edges from use. There had to be a bet into GG coordinate values. The GG coordinate ter way to preserve and graphically display site values derived from the UTM data were then information. That way was through the use of placed in separate fields in the GHSI database. GIS technology. The user's choice of which base map format to ArcView GIS products from Environmental use determines which site coordinate data fields Science and Research Institute (ESRI) based in are chosen to create the coverage. Redlands, California were chosen. The University
CRM No 1—2001 21 The GIS has proven to be valuable in the map. The process was easier if the historic prop following ways: erty was a building or a structure shown on the Map Making. GIS gives us the capability to base maps. produce maps with flexibility that we never had Many prehistoric sites do not show up as before. It allows us to portray historic sites on features on base maps. They can be difficult to maps of different scales and formats. We print map accurately. The detailed drawings and large format paper maps for presentations, descriptions on the site inventory forms then smaller ones for the field, and even smaller ones become very important in determining where to to update or enhance maps in site inventory files. place the site on the digital map. One time a call We can do this for all or only particular types of to the archeologist who surveyed the site helped sites, for either the whole island or within a speci in accurately locating the site on a map. In some fied area. They can be reprinted as necessary. As cases additional fieldwork will be necessary to re another author noted, "This represents a consid locate sites. erable advantage over paper-based systems which Improved Data Capture and Sharing. GIS are exceptionally difficult to modify or to expand allows the GHPO to accept new historic sites upon in the face of new demands."1 coordinate data from inventory surveys in a digi Performing Geographic Queries and tal format, which can be downloaded and used to Analyses. Another great feature of GIS is that create coverage quite quickly. Data received in from your computer desktop you can quickly this manner allows for reduced data capture access various maps and selected site information needs, immediate mapping, and reduced data from a database at your fingertips. entry error. The power of GIS centers on the relationships We have also obtained other map coverages between map themes and attributes. This for coastlines, rivers, wetlands, parks, roads, etc., integration allows users to manipulate maps, from the Government of Guam as well as federal run queries, or model future events. Users can agencies. More coverages are being developed for quickly locate resources on a map based on a other resources. An updated USGS map is also database query, or conversely, locate database expected to be available soon. information via a spatial query of map Much effort was necessary to develop the themes.2 GIS program, but a good database is of critical This is quite an advancement from search importance. Having the support of management, ing paper maps, hard copy lists, and filing cabi staff, and other government agencies developing nets. GIS has become a valuable tool in project GIS products is also important. However, having reviews, management of Historic Site Inventory the increased flexibility and power to graphically information, and historic site analysis with regard portray, manage, and analyze historic site data to many factors. within the context of their geographic environ Checking the Accuracy of Site Coordinate ment makes the effort worth it for the GHPO. In Information. In our use of GIS to update our site fact, we have only started to utilize Geographic maps, we found a number of errors in the site Information Systems as a tool for the 21st century. coordinate data submitted to the GHPO. This fact became readily apparent in GIS. There were Notes 1 even a number of terrestrial sites that were shown William Moss, Daniel Simoneau, and Benoit Fiset, as being offshore from Guam. Fortunately, GIS "Archeology, GIS and Urban Planning in Quebec City," CRM Vol.21, No.5 (National Park Service, made it easier to correct the errors. 1998): 20. Once a site was determined to be in the 2 Diedre McCarthy, "Applying GIS Technologies to wrong place we referred to the site inventory files CRM," CRM21-.5 (National Park Service, 1998): and maps to find and digitize the proper loca 34. tion. Many of the early surveys used USGS topo graphic maps. In these cases, we used the GIS to Victor Hara Torres, born and raised in Guam, received a give us the correct site coordinates after the site BA in anthropology and MPA from the University of was properly located on the digital USGS base Guam. With the Guam Historic Preservation Office since 1988, he is currently a Historic Preservation Specialist II.
22 CRM No 1—2001 Scott Russell Dealing with Human Remains An Approach from the Northern Marianas
ver the past two decades, the found in former village sites that were usually sit Northern Mariana Islands have uated in coastal beach environments.' Also pre developed into a prosperous sent in coastal areas are individual and mass resort destination catering to graves of Japanese military personnel and civil hundredOs of thousands of visitors yearly. ians killed during the World War II battles for Necessary components of this development have Saipan and Tinian, and a much smaller number been the construction of resort facilities such as of 19th-century burials associated with aban hotels, golf courses and commercial buildings, doned historic cemeteries. Today, these same and a significant expansion of the islands' infrastruc coastal areas are highly sought after sites for com ture to support a rapidly growing population com mercial development as well as the logical rights- prising foreign guest workers and local residents. of-way for the islands' ever-expanding infrastruc In accordance with Commonwealth and ture system, a combination of factors ensuring federal statutes, earthmoving projects are that human remains are encountered on a routine reviewed by the Division of Historic Preservation basis. (HPO) to determine their potential effects on Finding human remains is relatively easy, archeological, cultural and historic sites. In cases but determining what to do with them has where significant sites are identified, priority is proved to be a more difficult task. Should they be given to in situ preservation, or, where this is left in place, excavated by archeologists and sub impractical, to implementing appropriate mitiga jected to rigorous scientific study, moved to a safe tion of impact measures which often take the location and reburied without study, or simply form of archeological data recovery. ignored? What parties should be consulted? Particularly sensitive are sites that contain Should all classes of human remains be treated in human skeletal remains ranging from ancient the same fashion? Chamorro burials to Japanese casualties of World Opinions on these questions vary. War II. Ancient remains are most commonly Developers, both in the public and private sec tors, along with landowners hoping to secure A latte and inter lucrative lease agreements, commonly view pretive plaque human remains as impediments which either mark a reburial site on Saipan. threaten their planned projects or make them Photo by the more costly. The scientific community, primarily author. composed of professional archeologists, tends to look upon human remains as important sources of data about ancient life that should be recov ered and studied as thoroughly as possible. Views of other members of the public range from indif ference to a strong belief that human remains are sacred and should be left undisturbed and unstudied. Adding to the mix is the official pol icy of the Japanese government that calls for the recovery and repatriation of its war dead. As the agency legally mandated to protect the Commonwealth's historic resources, the HPO had the responsibility to take into consideration these various viewpoints and to develop a coher ent policy for the treatment of human remains.
CRM No 1—2001 2? A typical inter remains are of Carolinian origin, they are turned pretive marker at over to the Office of Carolinian Affairs for final a reburial site. Photo by the disposition.^ In cases where the remains are author. determined to be Chamorro, they are turned over to the Catholic church for reinterment at an appropriate cemetery. World War II remains comprising Japanese war dead, are the second most commonly encountered class. In accordance with an agree ment between the Japanese government and the HPO, these remains are to be collected whenever they are discovered, subjected to basic in-field analyses and stored in a specially designated con tainer. Special attention is focused on recovering Public hearings were held on Saipan, Tinian, and personal effects that will aid in the identification Rota during which an important point emerged: of individual remains so that any surviving family while a majority of people wished to see human members may be notified. Once a year, these remains left undisturbed whenever practical, they remains are to be turned over to representatives did not want their in situ preservation to interfere of the Ministry of Health and Welfare for crema with important public and private sector projects, tion and subsequent repatriation to Japan. particularly those supporting the economic vital In rare instances where modern remains are ity of the community and those that involved the encountered, the standards call for coordination provision of essential infrastructure services. with the Departments of Public Health and Taking into account these comments, the Public Safety for appropriate investigation and HPO issued "Standards for the Treatment of disposition. In one recent instance, the HPO was Human Remains" which were formally adopted asked to examine two human skeletons that turned by the CNMI Historic Preservation Review out to be the apparent victims of a homicide. Board in October 1999. These standards estab Finally, the standards require the HPO to lish four classes of remains—Ancient Chamorro, seek the repatriation of human remains from the Historic, World War II, and Modern—with Northern Marianas that are held in museum col priority treatments for each class. lections around the world. It was a commonly In accordance with the standards, ancient held sentiment that long-term museum curation Chamorro remains, the most commonly encoun is not an appropriate or acceptable treatment and tered class, are to be left in situ whenever practical that such remains should be returned to the with special effort directed to modifying con islands for reburial. struction and earthmoving plans to avoid distur It is hoped that these standards will allow bance. When this is not possible, ancient remains for a flexible and balanced response in cases are to be carefully excavated under professional where human remains are encountered, one that archeological supervision and, where appropriate, takes into account a widespread desire for mod subjected to specialized osteological study with ern development while at the same time address the aim of expanding our knowledge about ing the traditional respect for the dead that is still ancient life. Once analysis is completed, the stan an important element of local society. dards call for the remains to be reintered in a secure area as closely as possible to the original Notes 1 Chamorro human remains are most commonly grave site. In some cases, reburial sites are marked associated with the Latte Phase which began with cultural objects such as latte stones and roughly 1000 AD. basalt grinders and provided with information 2 Latte are a two-piece foundation stone that sup about ancient life gleaned from the archeological ported Chamorro residences late in prehistoric investigations.2 times. It is now an important cultural symbol. * Carolinian burials may be identified by the presence Historic remains are also to be left in situ of elaborate glass bead necklaces. whenever possible. When necessary, historic remains are recovered by professionally super Scott Russell is Deputy Director, Division of Historic vised archeological excavations that include basic Preservation, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern osteological field analyses. In cases where the Mariana Islands.
24 CRM No 1—2001 Jeannette A. Simons Compliance, Science, and Research Archeology in the Mariana Islands
he Department of the Navy has early pottery traditions and the later development jurisdiction over approximately of the megalithic Latte architecture. Historic 17,200 hectares (43,000 acres) structures from the Spanish occupation, of land in the Mariana Islands, American colonization in the Territory of Guam, in theT Territory of Guam, and the Common and Japanese colonization in the CNMI dot the wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) landscape. World War II sites hidden in the thick on the island of Tinian. jungle testify to the fierce battle for the Marianas. An important part of the Navy's mission is Restricted use in large tracts of diverse land, to protect the environment including cultural such as the 3,536.8-hectare (8,842-acre) area in resources. Sections 106 and 110 of the National central Guam known as the Ordnance Annex, Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as protects the archeological record from vandalism amended, and Navy policy* provide for agencies and development. Remains are thus preserved to to allocate funds in support of compliance efforts record and study occupational systems such as to identify, evaluate, inventory, and protect caves; subsurface deposits containing materials resources that are listed or eligible for listing on vital for obtaining radiocarbon data to study tem the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). poral issues; and macro- and microconstituent The Navy is committed to operating in a manner data to address subsistence issues. compatible with the environment and incorpo Professional efforts to identify, evaluate, and rates preservation considerations into its daily protect cultural resources demand that the laws, management of cultural resources and steward ethics, standards, methods, techniques, and theo ship activities. Navy installations and training ries that guide good science and research are areas in the Pacific become islands of safety for properly applied to compliance projects. Projects cultural resources. conducted in support of compliance efforts Lands under the jurisdiction of develop research goals pertinent to the under Commander, Naval Forces Marianas (COM- standing of human subsistence and settlement for NAVMARIANAS) hold thousands of cultural each project area, and the region. Field strategies resources. Archeological remains record 3,500 are developed to determine data requirements years of occupation, with the prehistoric era and to guide data collection, analysis, and inter beginning approximately 1500 B.C. and lasting pretation. Laboratory investigations such as pale- until after European contact in A.D. 1521. oenvironmental studies, lithic analysis, and Remains of Chamorro culture display unique residue analysis contribute to our understanding of the archeological record. Analysis results provide COMNAVMARIANAS land and resource managers with data to evaluate cultural resources under their purview and develop appropriate management strate gies, while simultaneously pro viding scientists with compre hensive explanations and mater ial for inquiry to continue furthering our understanding of Mariana Islands prehistory.
CRM No 1—2001 ^ A winch is used suggesting the quarry provided a convenient and to extract a drive expedient chert resource for on-the-spot tool segment of the Laguas core. making. This information is now integrated into Photo courtesy the regional database, providing material for Department of comparison studies as archeologists investigate the Navy Pacific Division, Naval the distribution of Chert Hill material at other Facilities sites as part of the process of understanding our Engineering cultural resources. Command, Pearl Harbor, Pottery sherds are ubiquitous in the Hawaii, by Mariana Islands archeological record, providing International researchers myriad venues for investigating tem Archaeological Research poral and subsistence issues. Four sherds collected Institute, Inc. during the Section 110 Nimitz Hill Survey Honolulu, yielded charred deposits from the interior sur Hawaii. faces suitable for residue analysis. Starch grains of Colocasia esculenta (taro) were identified on each of the four sherds and phytoliths diagnostic of rice were seen on one sherd. This is the first instance this kind of analysis has been applied to Paleoenvironmental studies conducted in Mariana Islands pottery. It produced the first conjunction with atcheological survey in Guam's hard data enabling development of a hypothesis southwestern Piti District near Apra Harbor, that pots with wiped/brushed, plain, or faintly sponsored by CONINAVMARIANAS in com combed exterior surface treatments were used for pliance with Section 110, provide supporting cooking. These approaches have been proven a data for evaluating and interpreting cultural viable avenue of study to address issues of food resources. A 28-meter sediment core collected preparation and pottery function critical to from a wetland near the Laguas drainage pro understanding Mariana Islands prehistory. duced microfossils of pollen, phytoliths, diatoms, The results also bolster existing data and charcoal particles. These data were applied to strongly suggesting that rice was a prehistoric investigations concerning island environment crop, a topic of interest to Mariana Islands arche prior to human colonization, impacts on the ology for some time. Rice grain impressions have environment subsequent to human colonization been identified in a few pottery sherds. Work and land use, climate changes, native plant intro supported by COMNAVMARIANAS compli ductions, and agriculture. ance actions contributes to the body of scientific Other paleoenvironmental samples were data to address specific and general research issues. collected from the Fonte wetlands and savanna A regional Integrated Cultural Resource grasslands in conjunction with a Section 110 sur Management Plan (ICRMP) presently in prepa vey at Nimitz Hill, Guam. These data add to a ration will synthesize the data collected by Navy stimulating scientific debate concerning the projects, create a geographic information system development of grasslands on Guam and other data base, and develop or restructure regional Pacific islands. Did the grasslands result from research questions with suggestions for future past agricultural practices, or did their existence investigations. The regional ICRMP will provide restrict past agricultural practices? Clearly, to guidance for COMNAVMARIANAS continued interpret archeological sites and manage them responsible stewardship and direction for future wisely, the relationship to past environmental studies. conditions is essential. The Nimitz Hill survey also located the Note largest lithic quarry found to date in the Mariana * Environmental and Natural Resources Program Islands, now known as Chert Hill. Specialized Manual, Chapter 23, Department of the Navy lithic studies provided data supporting a hypoth Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Washington, DC. (OPNAVINST 5090. 1 B CH-2). esis that the upper slopes of the Fonte drainage system were used for prehistoric farming. The Jeannette A. Simons is an archeologist with the Pacific stone cores showed little preparation prior to flake Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, removal and the tools produced were simple, Environmental Planning Division, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
26 CRM No 1—2001 Wendy M. Coble The Navy and the Protection of Pacific Cultural Resources A Unique Challenge
he U.S. Navy is responsible for Naval custody of its sunken cultural more than 350 of its shipwrecks resources is based on the property clause of the and 4,200 aircraft wrecks now U.S. Constitution and international maritime resting in Pacific territory. The law. It is consistent with Articles 95 and 96 of the great Tmajority of these underwater resources were Law of the Sea Convention. Abandonment of involved in World War II and are currently under Navy wrecks requires specific congressional the most threat. The Naval Historical Center's action. The Navy retains custody of its wrecks Underwater Archaeology Branch (NHC-UA) is regardless of their geographic location through the office tasked with the inventory, study, and sovereign immunity provisions of admiralty law. preservation of these wrecks. This is a daunting The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, responsibility as the Navy has more than 3,000 as amended, directs all federal agencies to manage shipwrecks and 12,000 aircraft wrecks world their cultural resources emphasizing preservation, wide. and shunning activities that might adversely Often by the time NHC-UA is notified of a affect the resource. The Navy further emphasizes discovery, the site and many of its features have the respect due a war grave and the potential been stolen or damaged, leaving scattered bits as volatility of unexploded ordnance that may be the only reminder of what was once an important associated with these wrecks, in its management artifact. World War II artifacts are increasingly plan. targeted by commercial salvors. Even small pieces Visitors to these sites are invited to look but of wreckage can net large profits, and this busi not touch, alter, enter, or disturb these remains ness is thriving. without permission from the NHC-UA. In the Because of these threats, the U.S. Navy has Pacific, however, WWII naval sites are frequently implemented permitting procedures and policies visited and often disturbed. In some cases the vis to help protect these fragile resources. The Navy itor has no idea what is and is not allowed, has limited resources for on-site protection in the although this is not always the case. Nonetheless, Pacific due to distance and lim Dan Bailey ited staffing and funding. These standing beside limitations create an opportu a Navy Corsair in Patau that he nity for creative management helped docu and cooperation between the ment. Photo by Navy and local cultural resource Patrick Scannon. managers. This article outlines the Navy's congressionally mandated duties, details its policies, and calls for cooperation in protect ing U.S. Navy historic cultural resources in the Pacific. Although the article will con centrate on aircraft, U.S. Navy historic shipwrecks are similarly managed.
CRM No 1—2001 2" many of these assets are being destroyed by a research. This cooperation ensures that as much number of unusual sources. information as possible is extracted from a site. It Many who threaten these sites may be should also be noted that many Pacific islanders unaware of what they represent and how histori respect these crash sites and have left them cally valuable they remain. World War II affected untouched, often going out of their way to avoid not only its own generation but also the genera the site. tions that followed. People remain fascinated A third and more serious threat is the com with stories of the war's epic battles. Aircraft hold mercial salvor or professional collector. Many of particular interest and even the most circum these individuals are aware of the historic and spect, when faced with their remains, may feel emotional value attached to a crash site, but are compelled to own a piece of this history. Few more concerned with the monetary value these casual collectors realize that by taking pieces, isolated parts represent. The historic aircraft parts moving objects, or altering their environment business is thriving and very lucrative. A few they severely damage an investigator's ability to commercial salvors state they are desperate to understand the story the site holds. save these aircraft for museums rather than per Often, the average sightseer does not realize sonal gain. They cite the long hours required for that someone's family may be waiting for answers restoration, resulting in little profit from their to what happened to a father, brother, or son. work as an example of their good intentions. The casual collector is not the only threat to While this may be true for some, others do these resources. profit, handsomely, and seem to thrive on the World War II "adventure" of wreck Navy Corsair on dramatically altered hunting. But rather a reef in Patau. Photo by C. many Pacific Islander's than accepting some of Lambert and Pat lives. Islanders were the responsibility for Scannon. introduced to new the destruction of rare technology, new resources, many blame sources of supplies, government bureau new foods, and some cracy as the biggest had to build new lives threat. on new islands as their According to own islands had been many professional destroyed. After the salvors and collectors, war, aircraft crash sites the government, espe littered the islands and cially the Navy, is islanders were left doing more harm than alone to rebuild. It is good by restricting little wonder that access to historic air many aircraft crash sites were salvaged by craft crash sites. islanders to rebuild their homes, villages, and Salvors claim the continued ravages of saltwater towns. It seemed this material was scrap, left on aluminum components and the imminent behind and certainly viable for re-use. Island life decay of aircraft sites are due to inaction by the requires the use of all resources for survival, but U.S. Navy. These individuals seem to believe that while understandable, these actions have dam if they do not retrieve the aircraft components, aged site integrity. Ideally, local islanders should these rare aircraft will disappear within the next be educated in how to study and protect these year or so. These claims are overly exaggerated. sites. Realistically it is a difficult if not impossible While it is true that saltwater is corrosive to task. aluminum parts, sunken aircraft have been in the Ironically, it is these same islanders who are saltwater for more than 50 years. Experience has the best resource for educating a researcher about shown that objects reach a stasis in their new the site's original features, where the resources are environment after a certain time period. Unless now, or how they have been used. Usually the environment changes, the object will likely islanders are happy to assist a researcher by show maintain its structural integrity for hundreds of ing the visitor to the area and assisting in the years. Most would agree that wood is much more fragile than metal and yet wooden shipwrecks
28 CRM No 1—2001 Winch assembly have survived their underwater environments for and nose gun hundreds of years. Ironically, it is salvors' activi turret of a Navy PBY-5 Catalina ties that put the object at risk. Increased human sunk on Oahu activity around a site will affect its environment December 7, and accelerate the decomposition process. Rarely 1941. Photo by the author. do humans look but not touch. Often divers attach anchors or marker buoys to the wreckage, which wears on or breaks off portions of the wreckage. Even more disastrous have been some attempts to raise aircraft or remove them from a beach for restoration and display without follow ing accepted conservation procedures. When not properly conserved, these objects quickly crumble to dust. Advances in the conservation of alu minum and other 20th-century materials are being made daily, and will only improve over time. Therefore, the Navy feels it is in the best interests of the artifact to leave it in its stasis envi ronment unless properly trained professionals request to quickly document a site before it is oversee the removal and conservation of the arti destroyed. fact. Because of the need to regulate activity Often Pacific cultural resource managers around U.S. Navy historic cultural resources, feel ill equipped to document a site or undertake NHC-UA has written and recently published a a research project involving these resources. For permitting policy (32 CFR 767) and guidelines this reason NHC-UA is consistently updating for work involving U.S. Navy cultural resources. and improving resource material available This policy requires anyone wanting to conduct through the Naval Historical Center's web page. research and/or recovery on U.S. Navy historic An electronic copy of the Navy's Policy Fact cultural resources to obtain a permit from the Sheet can also be found at
CRM No 1—2001 29 Dirk H.R. Spennemann, David W. Look, and Kristy Graham Heritage Eco-Tourism in Micronesia Expectations of Government Officials
ultural heritage tourism is on the stakeholders of heritage managers, parks and increase worldwide, focusing on wildlife staff, and people involved in the tourism sites, sights, museums, and cul businesses (both government and private enter tural experiences such as festivals prise) made up 56%, with 34% of the attendees and traditionaCl communities. At the same time, coming from other government agencies various decision makers see cultural heritage (Finance, Public Works etc.). The remaining places as an asset and studies have been under 10% were students and others. taken to assess the feasibility of using such sites as Who Are The Expected Visitors? attractions. The development of eco-tourism An integral aspect of any heritage eco- opportunities in the heritage arena has created tourism development is the ability to identify the increased visitor demand, with Micronesia the potential market. By ascertaining who the per last largely unassessed region. If heritage eco- ceived visitors are expected to be, it is possible to tourism is to succeed, coordination and planning understand the various attitudes of the govern are required. This begs the question: What are ment parties involved in the survey. Clearly, eco- the attitudes of Micronesian government officials tourism is seen as a privilege of the middle-aged toward eco-tourism and toward cultural heritage wealthy. The demographics of the eco-tourist sites? were perceived to be adults predominantly A recent symposium organized from between the ages of 36 and 50 (63.2%) with a February 28 to March 3, 2000, by the mayor of substantial income in excess of $50,000 dollars Rota, the Commonwealth of the Northern (US) per annum (33%). Although all age groups Mariana Islands (CNMI) Historic Preservation should be considered clientele, it is intriguing Office, and the U.S. National Park Service pro that the age profile of the expected eco-tourist vided the opportunity to poll participant decision roughly resembles that of the respondents. makers. Attended by approximately 100 partici Profiling Heritage Eco-tourism pants from the CNMI, Guam, Republic of Palau, The heritage eco-tourism industry does not Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States benefit from a standardized definition. The con of Micronesia, and Hawaii, the symposium was ceptual definition of sustainability, environmen intended to make a substantial contribution to tal awareness, economic benefits to local commu the management of cultural and natural resources nities, education through interpretation, and in Micronesia while encouraging ways to develop social and cultural sensitivity, can be somewhat heritage eco-tourism that is responsible and sus different to the operational situation. tainable. Do the Micronesian decision makers under A questionnaire was administered to each stand the concept of heritage eco-tourism? Only participant (except presenters) at the beginning 1 % of the respondents stated that they did not of the symposium. It contained demographic and possess an understanding of the concept of her attitudinal questions (using a seven-point Lickert itage eco-tourism. On face value this could be scale from "strongly agree," to "strongly dis regarded as a positive sign, as one might assume agree"). The overall response rate was 52.2%. that the participants were well prepared for the Some results of the survey are presented below.' symposium. On the other hand, it could be The breakdown of the nature of employ interpreted as misplaced confidence. ment of the respondents is important. All too The questionnaire posited that heritage eco- often, symposia such as this are only attended by tourism does not exist as a bona fide industry, a specialized, self-nominating minority. At the but rather it is just a small segment of the overall Rota Heritage Eco-tourism Symposium the key tourism industry. Almost 64% of respondents
30 CRM No 1—2001 agreed with this statement. The opinion was that the symposium participants had some idea more polarized with respect to the assertion that about the fragility of the natural and cultural heritage eco-tourism is just a fashionable term for environment and the lasting effects of any dam general tourism, which capitalizes on natural and age done. cultural heritage. In that case 43.8% agreed and Given this, the question has to be posed 56.2% disagreed, with no one undecided on the how that can be achieved. The use of a sacrificial matter. All forms of tourism capitalize on the nat area is one of the common strategies. When ural and cultural resource base of a destination; assessing the attitudes toward the fragility of sites, they are two integral factors in formulating a it was found that 52% agreed that it is better to place, into a primary destination. The concept of have more tourists in a less fragile area than fewer heritage eco-tourism is to go beyond this and tourists in a fragile area thereby indicating that it inspire an appreciation and to educate people is better to sacrifice a resource of lesser fragility in about its value. If the participants truly under order to ensure the conservation of those more stood the conceptual description of heritage eco- fragile areas. However, 43% of respondents dis tourism—as their responses to a previous asser agreed with this statement, demonstrating that tion would have us believe—the response should opinions were well divided, possibly due to lack have been decidedly more toward disagreement. of information on the matter. As it stands, the responses to this assertion Ranking Opportunities demonstrate the symposium participants' Heritage eco-tourism opportunities arise in propensity to overstate their prior knowledge. many aspects of the natural and cultural environ Although heritage eco-tourism was not per ment. By assessing the responses, it is possible to ceived to be a bona fide industry, the overwhelm identify the perceptions and values of various ing majority of respondents (91.6%) agreed with heritage eco-tourism opportunities. In keeping the assertion that heritage eco-tourism is not a with the training opportunities of the symposium short lived phenomenon, indicating that they 10 options were chosen. Participants were asked believe heritage eco-tourism is more than just a to rank these, according to their perceived poten trend and will continue to have a future. tial (1 being the most important and 10 being The Impacts of Heritage Eco-Tourism the least important). Heritage eco-tourism is often perceived as From the 10 options provided, the most "softer" on both the natural and the cultural envi prominent response in ranking was archeological ronment than mainstream tourism. Heritage eco- sites closely followed by natural landscapes. Both tourists are often attracted to those sites of partic responses could be expected given the theme of ular rarity and of cultural and natural signifi the symposium. This is an interesting result when cance. Hence, the threat of impacts to these sites we consider that heritage managers constituted may be greater due to the fragility or significance 22% and parks and wildlife staff only 17%. The of such sites. Even if we do pull back from her second cluster comprises local bird life and local itage eco-tourism, some impact may not be able plants. The means for both responses were very to be mitigated and reversed. If left unmanaged, close together. This ranking is possibly biased by however, the potential severity of these impacts the high percentage of participants from Rota. could increase. The survey demonstrated that a The fact that local bird life outranks local plants large majority of respondents (71 %) disagreed has most likely come about because the symbol with the assertion that we can pull back from of Rota is the Marianas fruit dove, which is also heritage eco-tourism development if environmen the national bird of the Mariana Islands and fea tal problems occur and that nature will not heal tures predominantly in a local environmental itself. What could not be assessed is participants' education campaign. knowledge to what extent re-vegetation of envi The third conceptual cluster comprises the ronments could mitigate some or all of the social aspects of island life, preferring traditional impact. skills and traditional fishing. The mean of the On the question whether "damage done by two are over one ranking unit apart, and the stan tourists to cultural heritage places can be repaired dard deviations are quite large. The transition without detriment to our heritage," 86% of the from traditional fishing to shipwrecks and diving respondents disagreed. If we combine the opportunities (part of the next cluster) is not that responses to the two questions it becomes clear clear cut.
CRM No 1—2001 31 The fourth cluster comprises the non- potential to increase the number of visitors with indigenous heritage locations. These ranked out increasing the problem they pose and that poorly, with an average rank of 6.5 and less. Of other island communities would be receptive to these, World War II sites ranked the poorest, a the development of heritage eco-tourism. The full rank value lower than the others. respondents saw archeological and natural land Overall, the rankings indicated that indige scapes as the main eco-tourism opportunity, nous past was seen as the most important aspect while attractions related to the colonial periods of heritage eco-tourism followed by the local were perceived to be much less significant. environment. Traditional cultural values are then While the symposium was successful in much less important, while the tangible heritage raising awareness and the overall state of knowl places associated with colonial administration edge on the matter, further training in the form ranked last. The fact that non-indigenous her of country-specific case studies is required if the itage sites, and in particular WWII sites ranked expectations for the economic return inherent in so poor may be due to the negative perception of heritage eco-tourism opportunities are to be the war by the local population. fulfilled. Priorities for Heritage Eco-Tourism Asked to rank various priorities for heritage Notes 1 eco-tourism, cultural issues ranked highly, with A full presentation and discussion of all findings the options "Preserve cultural heritage sites," can be found in Dirk H.R. Spennemann, David W. Look, Kristy Graham (2000). "Perceptions of "Ability to showcase my own culture," and Heritage Eco-tourism by Micronesian Decision "Preserve local plants & animals" taking the top Makers," Johnstone Centre Report 174. Albury, three spots. Although the survey previously iden NSW: Charles Sturt University, The Johnstone tified that it was the perception of the partici Centre. The report is available for free download in pants that heritage eco-tourism has the potential pdf format at the following site: to increase visitor numbers without increasing
32 CRM No 1—2001 Andrew W. Smith Interpretive Enhancements for Rota Route 100
he Commonwealth of the The 1,000-year historic period on Rota con Northern Mariana Islands sists of the following: (CNMI), Department of Public • Late prehistoric (AD 1000-1521) and proto-his- Works (DPW) is implementing a toric period (1521-1668); three disturbed latte $3,000,00T0 road improvement project along sets and over 30 inland rock shelters suggesting approximately 12 km of Route 100, on the island a hunting and gathering focus; of Rota. This 85-square-kilometer island has a • Spanish (1668-1898) and German (1898-1914) population of about 3,500 and is one of the three Colonial Period; in the Talakaya vicinity rice main islands, along with Saipan and Tinian, in the production and irrigation technologies for this CNMI archipelago. A primary paved road along subsistence crop not grown elsewhere in the north coast connects the airport and two pop Micronesia or Polynesia; ulation centers of Sinapalu with Songsong village • Japanese period (1914-1944) including World and the harbor. Route 100 is currently an unpaved War II; transportation system developed by the secondary road providing an alternate connection Nanyo Kohatsu Kabushiki Company for sugar between the villages. It traverses a variety of nat cane production, consisting of loading docks, ural terrain, has many prehistoric and historic fea cobble masonry bridges/culverts, and two nar tures along the alignment and is a potential tourist row gauge locomotives; WWII defensive attraction. This project is being entirely funded remains—one 120mm coastal defensive gun in through the Federal Highway Administration a concrete bunker with one empty bunker (FHWA) with Federal-aid Highway program, Emer nearby and a probable concrete ammunition gency Relief and National Highway System funds. storage bunker, interconnected rifle pits, and A key challenge is to develop an innovative rock shelter tunnel complexes. mitigation of impact strategy, which satisfies local A secondary problem to overcome is provid permit requirements. The main permit for all ing a concise interpretation for a variety of histori CNMI development, including public infrastruc cal periods, in an understandable and easily recog ture projects, is issued by the Coastal Resources nizable form, to the public. Management Office (CRMO). This office obtains Three main issues raised by these challenges Major Siting Permit conditions from other local relate to conveying the information sensitively, government agencies, significantly the historic blending with the natural beauty of Rota, and preservation office (HPO). Rota is rich in cultural meeting highway safety objectives. Planning ele resources and the Route 100 project spans a ments for these improvements requires knowledge 1,000-year time period with various sites. The of the resources and the visitor and assessing the FHWA, by performing a federal undertaking is impact of the interpretive site. required by the National Historic Preservation Act Conveying information requires an aware (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, to conduct a ness of the subject matter and the site location. Section 106 review. In accordance with the law a One focus is to address historical improvements, memorandum of agreement was developed not WWII losses, economic domination by colo between the Hawaii Division and the CNMI nial powers, or pre-contact ignorance of the out HPO for this project. In consultation with HPO, side world. Another sensitive issue is private prop the DPW Technical Services Division (TSD) has erty that abuts the roadway corridor. All of the planned a suite of interpretive enhancements to be sites and interpretive centers are on private land included in the project as part of the mitigation and have the potential to enhance the property plan. These are to be placed at representative sites but also could offend local landowners. Also, plac along the road, tied to interpretive centers and ing too many signs, and developing roadside pull- indexed on a key map of Rota. outs has the potential to create a negative impact
CRM No 1—2001 33 on the surrounding area. This impact has to be and proto-historic period; and scenic vistas. It is minimized but the message context must be important to note that with Route 100, the road broadly understood. itself is a historical site since this was originally Blending in with the natural beauty of Rota constructed as a narrow gauge railroad. is possible with low scale enhancements. They Interpretive centers will be placed at differ have a low visible impact but need to be clearly ent locations along the road and in some cases off- seen by drivers. They should not be incompatible site elsewhere on Rota. These will be at major with the surroundings. focal points for the main five themes with detailed A major concern with all road projects is descriptions using colors and icons. Material must highway safety. This cannot be compromised by be able to withstand high ultraviolet sunlight, obstructions or distractions. The Route 100 road heavy concentrations of salt spray, typhoons, and way in some areas is very steep with grades reach vandalism, and be low maintenance. ing 20% and narrow with cliffside cuts only one- Signage along the roads will have a minimal lane wide. All of the historic cobble masonry amount of text and key into the colors and icons bridges/culverts are narrow but short. To preserve at the interpretive centers. This includes a red these structures, guardrails are added and the road locomotive, blue coast gun, green rice stalks, gray pavement is raised but the original structure latte stone, and eye symbol. remains. Scenic vistas at five locations will show Printed brochures will be placed at car rental off a biotic-geologic component of the island. agencies, hotels, government offices, and the Steep drop-offs occur frequently along the road Marianas' Visitors Association. Multilingual text is and metal beam and concrete barrier guardrails are necessary for the predominately Asian Tourist. included in the project. Their placement can be Foldout maps of Rota will be indexed for the too frequent, for both enhancements and standard roads, interpretive centers, sites, icons, and colors. roadside signs can obscure the view. Sight distance The cost of signs, brochures, and interpretive and visibility are necessary aspects of day and centers will be borne by the project. As a local per night driving. mit requirement, DPW is working closely with Given the problems and issues, the interpre HPO to develop this material, which will enhance tive enhancements include interpretive centers, the road improvement. A future goal is to estab signage, and printed brochures. These enhance lish Route 100 as one link in a CNMI wide scenic ments generally follow the historic period; byway route system. Japanese transportation system and Japanese WWII defensive portions; colonial period; pre- Andrew W. Smith is a professional engineer.
34 CRM No 1—2001 Patricia Luce Chapman Micronesia Preserving a Fragile Resource
n the western Pacific Ocean, straddled over the Northern Marianas and Guam begin between the Philippines and Hawaii, ning in the 1500s. some 2,100 islands are scattered over In 1885, Germany took possession of the three million square miles. These Marshall Islands (RMI), while Spain retained islandIs make up the area known as Micronesia. control of other island groups. By 1898, however, Their total landmass is smaller than Rhode all of Spain's possessions had been sold to Island. The islands' unique landscapes, formed in Germany, with the exception of Guam, which part by volcanic activity and featuring coral had been taken by the United States during the The Chuuk, FSM, speaker tells how atolls, rain forests, and colorful lagoons, fostered Spanish-American War. he saw U.S. a world of exceptional cultures. Its geographic After Germany's defeat in World War I, bombers hitting area has been strategically important to many Japan administered most of Micronesia under a Japanese ships in the lagoon dur nations in the past. League of Nations mandate. Fierce battles ing World War II. The rich history reflects a panorama of soci between the Japanese and Allied Forces were There are stories eties buffeted for centuries by warring and trad fought on the islands during World War II. After and chants throughout ing nations of the east and west. Evidence indi the war, the United States administered much of Micronesia of the cates that the islands were first settled over 2,000 Micronesia under United Nations auspices. The times before that years ago. Vigorous and diverse cultures devel islands, except for Guam, Nauru, and Kiribati, war, some relat ing to the oped in each island group, linked by a far-flung were known as the Trust Territory of the Pacific German occupa network of trade and commerce conducted by Islands. tion of the intrepid voyagers in outrigger canoes. Guam remains a territory of the United islands. The Micronesian Spanish sailors, including Magellan, were States. The Republic of Nauru and the vast atoll Endowment for the first Europeans to explore Micronesia. The group of the Republic of Kiribati, both members Historic Marianas served as a stopping point for the of the British Commonwealth, are independent Preservation famous Manila Galleon trade. They found inhab nations. In the 1970s, citizens of the old Trust seeks to preserve these songs and ited islands rich in copra, sandalwood, turtle and Territory organized four new governments: the legends. Photo pearl, schools of whales, and established colonies Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana by the author. on many of the islands. The Spanish flag flew Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the RMI, and the Republic of Palau. Of these, the Marianas are an American Commonwealth and the other three are in a unique relationship with the United States known as "Free Association." The Micronesia Institute In recognition that a true private sector resource could be helpful as the Micronesian peo ples worked their way out from under the various foreign cultures and governments, which had been imposed on them since the time of Magellan, the Micronesia Institute (MI) was founded in 1983. The 501-C-3 corporation's mis sion statement reads in part: "...founded to be an independent link between Micronesian countries and communities and public and private resources in the United States and elsewhere." Its
CRM No 1—2001 35 The parapets of tion officers (HPOs) of the various entities, meet Nan Dowas ing with members of MI, came to believe that an curve outward; overhangs gave endowment for historic preservation and cultural further protec growth, and which encompassed the entire tion against Micronesian cultural family, would be the most intruders. Nan Madol's basalt effective means for ensuring that adequate logs and boul resources could be found. ders may weigh The Articles of Incorporation and the By up to 46 tons each. These laws were prepared with the help of the Alele were probably Museum in the Marshall Islands and with the quarried on the participation of all HPOs. A MI ad hoc commit mountain called Sokehs Rock, tee of lawyers and international cultural endow 30 miles away ment experts reviewed these to ensure full com on the other pliance with international non-profit standards. side of Ponape Island, then The committee also suggested that if the endow rolled down the ment hoped to raise international money, it mountain and should stand independently without more than somehow fer ried to the site associative ties to any American organization. on the reef and The world's only hoisted into organization of its kind, position. Photo by the author. the MEHP crosses national boundaries to build a loose bridge unit ing members of the same purpose is to enable cultural family to ensure Micronesians themselves to the survival of their initiate, develop, and execute ancient arts, sacred or his needed programs, with exper toric sites, and traditions tise and funding as necessary. into the 21st century. A Programs focus on education, board of directors health, historic preservation, appointed by the respec privatization, and community tive governments manages service organizations, all to the MEHP. Officers rotate improve the quality of life. from one nation or state Visibility in the United States to another. The MI pro and the education of vided expert reviews of Americans about the Articles of Micronesians and their cultures are also impor Incorporation and Bylaws to ensure that the tant functions of the organization. unusual organization would comply with interna The Micronesian Endowment for tional nonprofit standards. It has also been able Historic Preservation to provide funding for brochures and meetings through The Henry Luce Foundation, Inc., Associated with the MI, the unique Continental Micronesia, and Mobil Oil Micronesian Endowment for Historic Micronesia, Inc. Donations to the MEHP may Preservation (MEHP) is an international non be made through the MI for U.S. income tax profit organization incorporated in the RMI in purposes. 1985. In 1984 and 1985 it began to be realized The structure of society on each island is a by Micronesian cultural leaders and by MI that fragile resource, treasured by its people, but fac there was real danger that in the future cultural ing extinction in the modern world. Micro programs might not be funded even at a minimal nesians are committed to preserving not only level. Conversations and meetings brought the their ancient artifacts but also the living tradi leaders on both sides of the Pacific to consider tions that give them meaning. Lore and legends ways whereby private funds could begin to sup are told through songs, stories, and dances. plement government grants. Historic preserva
36 CRM No 1—2001 One of the very Remarkable skills in woodcarving, canoe build old "story ing, navigation, architecture, and weaving have boards" in the Bai at Airai, been passed down from one generation to the Patau. The next but are rapidly disappearing. Early colonial beams are dec and military history has been preserved in orated with story boards illustrat German plantation houses and churches; Spanish ing ancient leg fortifications; Japanese roads, buildings and ends. Later, the ports; sunken American whalers and pirate ships. Palauan artists began carving Bomb-blasted buildings, rusted cannons, and the story on warships on the sea bottom remind us of a tragic, wood. Photo by painful period. the author. Endangered Resources The demands of modern society and a cash economy threaten important aspects of the wide spectrum of conservation projects relating Micronesian cultural heritage. As older genera to libraries, archives, museums, and exhibitions. tions disappear, so do ancient skills and knowl The Need for Assistance edge. Younger Micronesians leave the islands to The Micronesian peoples welcome changes seek opportunities elsewhere. Much needed that improve the standard of living, but they do development projects, including roads, harbors, not want to sacrifice their histories and cultures. airports, and hotels, can endanger ancient sites. Resources are in short supply. Modern museum Artifacts are removed from prehistoric tombs and facilities are badly needed, as are studies to docu from World War II and prehistoric sites, while ment sites and cultures. Systems must be set up modernization displaces traditional values. to ensure the endurance of lore and arts. Natural hazards such as the encroaching jungle, Safeguards must be taken against souvenir seekers tidal waves, typhoons, and earthquakes erode and and vandals. The tropical climate and jungle destroy historic dwellings. The MEHP is devoted growth that erode equipment and materials, and to recording, interpreting, and maintaining jungles that overrun ancient ruins, contribute to aspects of Micronesia's past and to regenerating it the deterioration of important sites and artifacts. Dancers from for the future. It is a focal point in the efforts to Ultimately, an effective historic preservation Ujae Atoll in the effort will require a partnership between govern Republic of the preserve Micronesia's history and culture. Marshall Islands With the advice of international experts in ments, corporations, and individuals. perform the anthropology, archeology, history, and other dis Contributions to the Endowment "Jobwa," the The MEHP envisions the peoples and cul oldest ciplines, Endowment funds are allocated to pro Marshallese grams on the basis of need and the requests of tures of Micronesia as living and growing on a dance still in donors. The MEHP is working with the solid foundation of knowledge of the existence today. Micronesian past. The challenge in fund-raising Photo by the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. National Park author. Service, and other prominent organizations on a for Micronesia is quite different than for most causes in the United States though. Vital U.S. government funding for programs in Micronesia will be greatly reduced over the next decade. The Asian economic crisis also hurts. Private sources of financial assistance are required if Micronesia's historic and cultural resources are to be preserved for future generations. Funds are sought to help preserve the Micronesian cultures through the protection of customs and historical sites, and through education in traditions.
Patricia Luce Chapman is chairman and founder of the Micronesia Institute and has been deeply involved in pro gram activities in the area, and in writing, since 1983. Previously she edited a children's magazine for the Museum of the City of New York.
CRM No 1—2001 37 Maradel K. Gale and Scott M. Fitzpatrick The Micronesia and South Pacific Program A Decade of Cultural Resource Preservation Assistance
ravels by Maradel Gale through Micronesia. Eventually the program and funding out the Pacific islands in 1984- sources expanded to include American Samoa 85 provided the impetus for the and other nations in the south Pacific. development of a technical assis The Program tanceT (TA) program at the University of Oregon. The basic tenets of the Micronesia and While visiting a number of government agencies South Pacific Program (MSPP) were as follows: and organizations concerned with various enter • The program responded only to requests for prises ranging from land use controls to educa assistance which came from the island govern tion, Gale found good intentions and on many ments, agencies, and organizations. occasions, few skills necessary to carry out their • A counterpart must be designated to work plans and tasks. Working as a professor with side-by-side with the technical assistant. graduate students at the University of Oregon • The recipient agency/organization provided a gave an awareness of the range of skills which supervisor for the designated project. could be transferred by these students to inter • The grant from OIA provided per diem and ested agencies in the islands. air fare for the technical assistant. Scoff Fitzpatrick The initial successes of a library develop • The recipient agency/organization provided and Vicky Kanai ment program generated support for an infusion local housing for the technical assistant. (bottom left) with historic preserva of major funding by the U.S. Department of the The placement of a technical assistant tion office staff Interior, Office of Territorial and Insular Affairs began with a request for assistance submitted to and National (OTIA; now Office of Insular Affairs, OLA). the MSPP by an eligible agency or organization Park Service rep These funds were to provide technical assistance resentatives, in the Pacific islands. These positions were typi 1997. Photo by to the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the cally for projects that could be completed within David Look. Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of a three-month period of residency by the techni cal assistant. Requests were cleared by the pro gram director and the person in OIA responsible for oversight of the program. The program then recruited graduate students capable of meeting the needs of the agencies. Prior to their selection, potential technical assistants underwent a three- month training in intercultural communication. Adaptive skills were assessed during this time, both by the potential assistant and the training staff. At the end of the three months, qualified students were assigned to specific positions from among those approved to receive technical assistance. It should be noted that this program was very different from the standard bilateral or mul tilateral development program. In those pro grams, the arrangements are between top levels of government, with the programs being developed
38 CRM No 1—2001 at the top. Funds are also transferred to the top, education, health care delivery, women's issues, with little or no funding available for grassroots land use planning, cultural resources manage development projects. The projects are generally ment and historic preservation, tourism, agricul large-scale with the amount of funding per pro ture, manpower and economic development, and ject matching that scale. While that approach can budget and finance, to name a few. work reasonably well in a large country, it is often This diversity of projects enhanced the suc out of scale with the needs of small, isolated island cess of the program. Technical assistants were nations. Multilateral development banks are ill- encouraged to assist their counterpart and super equipped to deal with small, low-cost projects. visor to collaborate with other agencies and orga Types of Projects Completed nizations that might be dealing with related After the library development program, issues or similar problems. In much of requests for assistance soon came from a much Micronesia, there is a high value placed on infor wider array of agencies and organizations. Over mation, and as a result, it is not always shared. the course of 10 years, the MSPP has filled posi This means that skills learned may not be shared tions in agencies and organizations dealing with with others in similar situations. One of the
Micronesia and South Pacific Program Cultura 1 Resource Management Projects (199C1-1999 )
State Year Project Agency/Organization American Samoa 1997 GIS development HPO 1999 GIS development HPO
Kosrae 1997 Eco-tourism management Tourism Office 1997 Utwa-Walung Marine Park Tourism Office
Marshall Islands 1993 Tourism development plan Tourism Office
Palau 1990 Management plan HPO 1990 Tourism/heritage management Visitors Authority 1992 National Register plan HPO 1995 Data management plan HPO 1996 Eco-tourism Visitors Authority 1997 Five year plan HPO 1998 Cultural/historic site brochures HPO
Pohnpei 1990 Tourism development plan v. 1 Tourist Commission 1992 Tourism development plan v. 2 Tourist Commission 1992 Planning and management HPO 1992 Nan Madol plan HPO 1993 Tourism development plan v. 3 Tourist Commission 1994 Library development HPO 1995 Tourism marketing plan Tourist Commission 1996 Maritime Museum development HPO 1997 Multi-year plan HPO 1997 Kapingamarangi canoe building HPO
Yap 1993 Multi-year plan - phase I HPO 1994 Multi-year plan - phase II HPO 1996 Multi-year plan - phase III HPO
CRM No 1—2001 39 attempts of the program was to encourage greater and information. This has since led to additional interaction between agencies for the express pur training projects led by Fitzpatrick, funded by the pose of sharing knowledge and resources. Sasakawa Peace Foundation, the Bishop Among these projects, those dealing with Museum's East-West Center, the National historic preservation and cultural resource man Science Foundation, and Sigma Xi. These have agement have been some of the most successful. dealt with archeological survey and mapping, This is due, in part, to the continuance of aided by such agencies as the Bureau of Lands research and skills transfer that have taken place and Survey, which shared equipment and data, after the completion of the initial three-month provided technical expertise, and helped in the projects (through MSPP and other funding agen installation and use of a Geographic Information cies), as well as the development of cooperative Systems (GIS) workstation at the HPO. endeavors between historic preservation offices The American Samoa project involved the (HPOs) and other government agencies. MSPP- training and field-based application of GPS for related projects have included the promotion of surveying and mapping archeological and histori cultural resources, often in conjunction with the cal sites. Aided by the National Park of American local tourism office, strategic planning, computer Samoa, which lent GPS receivers, the project col training, site identification, and fostering devel lected data to determine the most feasible means opment of inter-agency cooperation. for recording WWII-era installations on Tutuila, Working with Cultural Resource and developed standardized procedures for gath Management Agencies ering this information. With the dissolution of the Trust Territory These two projects were significantly differ of the Pacific into a milieu of independent states ent in terms of content, types and duration of in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there has been field activities, and geographical location. increased interest by foreign investors, as well as However, the overall intentions were the same— local governments to increase revenue. Many to increase the effectiveness of data collection, development projects have been tourist related, nurture inter-agency collaboration, and devise while others have focused on maintaining or ways for the public to become more aware and expanding infrastructure support. Both types of involved with cultural resource management. We development can affect how successfully cultural believe MSPP has played an important role in and historical resources are preserved and pro this effort. tected. It is with this understanding that many HPOs in the Pacific have requested technical Note assistance from MSPP. Micronesia and South Pacific Program technical assistance activities are currently in abeyance due to Since 1990, MSPP has been involved in 25 cutbacks in federal funding. projects related to cultural resources management in Micronesia and American Samoa (see chart, Maradel K. Gale developed and served as program direc page 39). Scott Fitzpatrick was involved with the tor for the University of Oregon's Micronesia and South 1997 Palau project where he developed and co- Pacific Program from 1988-2000. She has been a profes wrote a five year plan for cultural and historical sor of planning, public policy and management at the resource preservation with Vicky Kanai University of Oregon since 1974. Her interests are in sus (Chief/HPO). He also worked on the 1999 tainable community development as well as intercultural communication. She served as training director for the American Samoa project with Julie Taomia U.S. Peace Corps in Yap. (senior archeologist, HPO) involving the training of staff on Global Positioning System (GPS) Scott M. Fitzpatrick is a Ph.D. candidate in anthropol equipment. ogy and is also completing a M.S. in historic preservation The Palau five year plan outlined a strategy at the University of Oregon. His main interests are island the HPO could take in better protecting and pre archeology, culture contact, and documenting inter-island serving the nation's cultural heritage. Part of this exchange relationships. He has worked in Palau with the included communicating with other government Division of Cultural Affairs since 1997 and with historic preservation offices in Pohnpei and American Samoa. agencies and ultimately the sharing of personnel
40 CRM No 1—2001 Scott M. Fitzpatrick and Vicky N. Kanai An Applied Approach to Archeology in Palau
ne of the greatest challenges We began working together in 1997 while Pacific Islands face is how to writing Palau's five-year plan for historical and combat threats to cultural cultural resource preservation under a project resources from tourist develop with the University of Oregon's Micronesia and mentO. Although not inherently detrimental, South Pacific Program. Since then we have orga tourism can sometimes purposely or inadver nized numerous cooperative archeological tently impact important cultural or historical research projects funded by the Sasakawa Peace properties depending on a milieu of economic, Foundation and the Hawaii East-West Center. social, and political factors. How smaller island The goal of these projects has been to provide states grapple with this issue thus becomes field and computerized data management train extremely important and can determine the ing for new DCA staff and those in the agency extent of damage that occurs. who needed to update their skills in particular Ironically, tourism is also one of the few areas. Sites impacted by development or those types of development that can provide a means already in the process of being investigated by the for preserving and protecting cultural resources, DCA as part of their own national cultural while at the same time facilitating economic sus- resource inventory were chosen for the earlier tainability. In this paper we describe efforts by projects to record damage and aid in reconnais the University of Oregon and Palau Division of sance survey. Cultural Affairs (DCA) to incorporate and pro Although training for DCA staff has been mote cultural resources in a tourist-driven econ the major objective for these projects, other con Palau Division of omy. The Palau Stone Money Project, developed siderations—including ethnography, cooperative Cultural Affairs in response to some of these potential threats, has research, education, and facilitating inter-agency staff member Calvin now evolved into an applied archeological pro collaboration—have been taken into account to Emesiochel at a gram encompassing cooperative research, educa ensure that the data collected are comprehensive Yapese stone tion, and training between various agencies. We in content and accessible to a wide range of money quarry on Orrak Island. believe that this project can serve as a model for researchers and public interest groups. The arche Photos by Scott conducting research in Micronesia and other ological research projects we have initiated, M. Fitzpatrick. regions where these issues are of concern. including the Palau Stone Money Project, are applied in nature and not solely research driven, allowing for broader recognition of what the DCAs responsibilities are and the significance of Palau's cultural resources. In this way we can apply archeology using "anthropological meth ods, concepts, or knowledge to solve nonacade- mic problems, formulate public policy, and edu cate the public."1 We explain how our interest in this program evolved and why we feel this type of applied organization is useful and necessary. Background Palau is a small archipelago in the Western Caroline Islands of Micronesia with over 300 islands ranging from those volcanic in origin to coral platforms and atolls. It harbors one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Pacific (with
CRM No 1—2001 41 almost three times the coral and fish species as European traders became involved in the trans other Western Pacific islands), is off the beaten port of stone money during the late 1800s, disks path of typhoons, and is widely considered one of were carved using metal tools and transported on the top places in the world for scuba diving. larger ships, thus lowering their value as quarry While its ecological diversity is notably attractive, ing and transportation became easier. The Yapese only in recent years has this small island state exchanged various goods, exotic foodstuffs, and caught the attention of tourists. Between 1993 provided corvee labor to the Palauans to help and 1999 total visitor arrivals to Palau increased secure quarrying rights, and traded copra (dried from 40,497 a year2 to around 70,003, an coconut meat) to the Europeans for their part in increase of 75% in a matter of years. While transporting disks and quarry workers. Scott Palau's tourism base is largely structured around Fitzpatrick first became interested in this unusual diving and eco-tour operations, an advertisement exchange network while working with the DCA campaign geared toward promoting the visitation in 1997 during their monitoring of access of archeological sites is now being heavily touted improvements to the Metuker ra Bisech quarry by the Palau Visitors Authority (PVA). However, by the Airai state government and PVA. the possible impacts to culturally sensitive areas Several stone money quarries are being doc resulting from visiting tourists and associated umented and others surely exist but have not yet infrastructure development are many and can been identified. Because both local and interna include the removal of artifacts, destruction of tional visitors frequent these sites and have left features, soil erosion, graffiti, and garbage, to some notable impacts including grafitti, there name a few. This is, of course, a major concern became an opportunity for us to work together to for the DCA, the sole agency responsible for document and record these sites to help increase overseeing the protection, preservation, and man awareness about the significance they have for agement of cultural and historical properties in Palauan and Yapese history. Palau. One of the many types of sites the DCA We began this project with a preliminary has recently been involved with are Yapese stone survey of Omis Cave (B:OR-l:35) in 1998. Prior money quarries. Because these sites are now being to this work, ethnographic and ethnohistorical developed or promoted as eco-tourist attractions, data provided the only information about this they have become the focus of our applied arche exchange system; intensive archeological surveys Patau Historical ology program. had not been conducted to answer questions and Cultural Advisory Board The Palau Stone Money Project about how and why Yapese Islanders quarried members, DCA As early as perhaps 600 years ago Yapese stone money in Palau and the duration of this staff, and Klobak islanders voyaged to Palau to quarry their famous activity. In 1999, Fitzpatrick and two University er Ngermid (Chief of Ngermid stone "money" out of limestone deposits in the of Oregon undergraduate students worked with Village) visiting Rock Islands. These stone "money" disks, some of the DCA archeology staff excavating portions of excavation in- which are over three meters in diameter and Omis Cave likely to reveal evidence of quarrying progress at Omis Cave. Photos by weigh several metric tons, were carved into circu and habitation activities. This project was the Scott M. lar disks, perforated with a hole in the center, and first real opportunity for DCA staff to become Fitzpatrick. carried back to Yap on rafts and canoes. After involved in an excavation of a site from start to finish (as most of their responsibilities revolve around inventory and recording due to the sheer quantity of sites and a limited staff), and allowed U.S. students to work closely with Palauan arche- ologists. During our work at Omis Cave we recorded three unfinished stone money disks, a dock constructed of coral and limestone rubble (presumably to facilitate the transport of stone money), and other features associated with quar rying activities. Material culture recovered from the site included over 7,100 pieces of limestone debitage, nearly 200 pottery sherds, charcoal, and a faunal assemblage with fish bone and 31 fami lies of shellfish represented.
42 CRM No 1—2001 While the work was in progress, segments An exciting aspect of this project is the of the training were filmed and shown on the recognition that we have only begun to scratch local cable television network. We worked with the surface of truly applying archeology in Palau. permission from the local chiefs of Ngermid With new technological advances in filmmaking Village (Klobak er Ngermid) and with Palauan and site recording, the possibilities for educating government agencies including the Bureau of the public are limitless. In the future we hope to Lands and Survey (BLS) office staff who, play an even bigger role in establishing a forum throughout the years, have provided us with for discussing issues related to cultural resources equipment, map data, and technical assistance. In and Palauan history with government agencies, the summer of 2000 we conducted excavations at NGOs, tour operators, museums, and the like. As two additional quarries—Metuker ra Bisech and most archeologists would agree, the pursuit of Chelechol ra Orrak. This phase of the project applied work, especially as it pertains to public involved eight University of Oregon anthropol outreach and education, is critical for developing ogy students and DCA staff in an intensive sur a long-term cultural resource management pro vey as part of Fitzpatrick's Ph.D. research funded gram. We expect the Palau Stone Money Project with help from a National Science Foundation to begin addressing additional issues concerning dissertation research improvement grant and a tourism such as annual data collection on the Sigma Xi grant-in-aid for research. number of site visitors and studies on how Summary of Results tourism affects archeological sites, while expand Our work at Yapese stone money quarries ing these applied research methods to other cul has provided the first archeological data about tural properties in Palau. This project can then this fascinating regional exchange network and serve as a model for a broad-based archeological also provided a glimpse of how Palauan-Yapese research program geared toward the involvement inter-relationships evolved through time. of not just outside researchers, but the public and Interagency cooperation has helped us gather this special interest groups who have an interest in site information more efficiently (using survey preserving and protecting Palau's rich cultural equipment from the BLS, for example), and heritage. helped increase government and community awareness about the DCA's role in protecting and Notes 1 preserving Palau's cultural resources. The record Charles E. Downum and Laurie J. Price, "Applied ing of fieldwork in progress by the local cable Archaeology." Human Organization 58:3 (1999): 226-239. television station also helped achieve this goal 2 N. Douglas and N. Douglas, "Social and Cultural and, according to Palau Historical and Cultural Impact of Tourism in the South Pacific." In Tourism Advisory Board members who visited the site, in the Pacific: Issues and Cases, C. M. Hall and S. J. was especially important because it demonstrated Page, eds, (London: International Thomson how Palauan archeologists and outside researchers Business Press, 1996), 49-64. are participating together in the process of apply 3 Palau Visitor News, Fourth Quarter Results (1999): ing archeology. 7. As Palau continues to promote archeologi Scott M. Fitzpatrick is a Ph.D. candidate in anthropology cal sites in tourist guides and brochures we hope and is also completing a M.S. in historic preservation at that local exposure of the Palau Stone Money the University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon. Project encourages tourists and other visitors to appreciate the significance of Palau's cultural Vicky N. Kanai has been the Historic Preservation Officer resources. We also hope that it encourages coop and Chief of the Palau Division of Cultural Affairs since erative efforts for their preservation, protection, 1988, and oversees the administration of staff members and management among agencies like the DCA, involved in a variety of historic preservation projects and BLS, Palau Visitors Authority, and state govern special programs. To date, her staff has participated in five University of Oregon training projects at six different sites ments. The placement of Omis on the Palau in Palau—two of these stone money quarries. National Register of Historic Places as a result of data collected during our survey was just one step in achieving this goal.
CRM No 1—2001 43 Richard V. Williamson The Challenges of Survey and Site Preservation in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
s with all federally funded his As challenging as survey may be, the real toric preservation offices, the pri difficulty arises during the registration and mary duties of the Republic of preservation process. Like much of the Pacific, the Marshall Islands' Historic land tenure in the Marshall Islands is extremely PreservatioAn Office (RMI HPO) include site sur privatized, and—at least seen through Western vey, registration, and preservation. The problems standards—complicated. In general, the system encountered, however, by the RMI HPO in allows for up to three or four individuals to own accomplishing these tasks are unlike those of any each parcel {weto) of land. One of the individuals other historic preservation office. Located in east is the traditional chief {iroojlaplap); another is the ern Micronesia, 2,200 miles southwest of Hawaii, lineage head {alab). In the past, before the advent the Republic of the Marshall Islands is a nation of Western style government, the system worked of 1,200 islets that form 29 coral atolls and five well to ensure that every Marshallese had land use isolated islands. Scattered over 750,000 square rights. The alab secured land rights for his family miles of ocean, all these islands make up only 70 and the iroojlaplap—in essence the govern square miles of land. This geography and geology, ment—oversaw and partially controlled each as well as the culture of the Marshall Islands weto of land within his domain. Today the irooj make the basic duties of the RMI HPO system still exists but so too does a democratic extremely demanding. government. Who then has ultimate control of Given the isolation of not only the Marshall the land? With few exceptions, the landowners, Islands from the rest of the world, but also each and not the government, have absolute control of atoll to one another, site survey is a logistically the land. In addition, this control includes not difficult task itself. Transportation is either by air only the land, but all resources discovered on, in, or sea, both of which are intermittent and unreli and above the land—and even out into the able. When a survey is required off the capital lagoon. The government not only has no right to atoll of Majuro, the minimum travel time is impose any restrictions on private land; the gov counted in days—even if the work required takes ernment itself does not own any land.2 only hours. The implication of this for historic preser When a site survey does occur, given the vation is not good. Although preservation laws nature of a coral environment, detection of any exist, many of these regulations are based upon thing but historic World War II structures is U.S. laws and do not conform to the customs of nearly impossible. Prehistoric cultural remains are the Marshall Islands. The concept of private all organic and thus highly perishable. Standard property and the control of all items on that reconnaissance surveys alone are insufficient— property is too ingrained in Marshallese culture leaving obvious gaps in the prehistoric record. to support historic preservation legislation that The office has relied on the use of local infor affords any protection to any item on private mants during each survey to assist in identifying land. While the concept of eminent domain is in traditional Marshallese sites. Although identify the RMI constitution, it has never been applied. ing these traditional sacred sites has merit in its Moreover, as there is no public land, there is no own right, it is hoped that a traditional fishing precedence to protect natural or cultural site, for example, may very well be the location of resources for the public good through legislation. a prehistoric fishing site as well.
44 CRM No 1—2001 Japanese (WWII) era, the preservation of these sites has nothing to do with Marshallese heritage anyway.'* Nevertheless, Western culture is coming and there is a growing concern among Marshallese to preserve local cus toms, traditions, and language (if not actual sites). It is in this regard that the RMI HPO supports unconventional activities. If the preservation of Marshallese heritage through the protec tion of historic sites does not work, we will preserve the sites by first protecting the culture. In conjunction with the national Alele Museum many coopera tive projects have occurred. Educational activities such as the instruction in and videotaping of traditional Marshallese activities, including outrigger canoe pro While difficult, historic preservation in the duction and sailing, making of baskets, and Marshall Islands is not impossible; but it does recording of oral histories, have all had the sup require some innovative thinking. Although sur port of the HPO. Although not directly related vey, inventory, and registration all continue to the primary duties of site survey and preserva within the RMI, preservation must come through tion, these activities that preserve the intangible education rather than legislation. Unfortunately, past get the high profile attention that is required even education is not simple. Tourism, one of the to lay the groundwork needed to preserve the primary economic reasons for historic preserva physical past. tion, is almost non-existent in the Marshalls and, given the RMFs isolation, it will be many years Notes before tourism validates the importance of his ' Jack E. Tobin, "Land Tenure in the Marshall toric preservation. Ethnic or cultural pride, an Islands," Atoll Research Bulletin No. 11 (1952): 1- excellent educational tool for preservation, also 36; and Jack E. Tobin, "Land Tenure in the Marshall Islands," Land Tenure Patterns, Trust does not work as well in the RMI as it does in the Territory of the Pacific Islands,Vo\. 1 (1958). U.S. Unlike other regions in the world, where 2 Despite studies by former RMI HPO archeologist, there are native groups fighting for the protection Dirk H.R. Spennemann, which raise the possibility of their indigenous land from those they perceive of government owned land, Dirk H.R. as "outsiders" (an "us vs. them" mentality), this Spennemann, Cultural Resource Management Plan for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands situation does not occur in the Marshalls. The Part 1: Management Plan Majuro: Office of vast majority of the RMI residents are ethnically Territorial and Insular Affairs, Department of Marshallese, and since foreigners cannot own Interior, United States Government (1990), the land (the major government regulation on land author is not aware of any land that is presently use), Marshallese do not perceive that foreigners owned by the government. 3 are destroying their cultural heritage through the Republic of the Marshall Islands Historic Preservation Legislation, Ministry of Internal destruction of historic properties. There is, in Affairs, Historic Preservation Office, Majuro Atoll fact, so little economic development that any (1992). interference from the HPO in construction activ * Jon G. O'Neill, Management of German Colonial ities is seen as not only hindering development, Heritage in the Pacific, unpublished bachelors thesis, but also infringing on the traditional Marshallese Faculty of Science and Agriculture, School of cultural heritage to do whatever they want on Environment and Information Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, their land. Additionally, there is the perception Australia (2000). that since most of the visible and potentially preservable sites are not prehistoric, but instead Richard V. Williamson is the Chief Archeologist for the date from either the German or more likely Republic of the Marshall Islands Historic Preservation Office, Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands.
CRM No 1—2001 45 Jon G. O'Neill and Dirk H. R. Spennemann German Colonial Heritage in Micronesia
istorical associations with non- dependent on two critical factors—community Oceanic civilizations have interest and political will, and availability of a vari shaped Micronesian states such ety of resources. as the Republic of Palau, the How much interest in the vestiges of RepubliHc of the Marshall Islands, and the Germany's Empire exists in these former colonies? Federated States of Micronesia. Centuries of con What are their national priorities? What resources tact with diverse arrays of colonial administra are available? Where are the money, skilled labor, tions, traders, whalers, shipwrecked sailors, and historically and culturally appropriate materials escaped convicts, generated great pressures for cul and methods, and the management and planning tural change. Some were imposed while others experience? Social and political environments were adopted, some were deliberate and others where the will to preserve heritage is frequently accidental, but together they have contributed to low, where pressure to provide modern infrastruc the formation of today's Micronesian cultures. ture is high, and where national resources are lim Following the Spanish-American war of ited, are not conducive to historic preservation. 1898, Spain withdrew from the Pacific allowing Such environments are common throughout post- Germany to expand her influence and briefly colonial Micronesia. become a significant colonial power. The 1914- Essentially, funds for historic preservation 1918 World War saw Japan annex German posses must be generated internally or externally. The sions north of the equator, a move subsequently first requires a population with disposable income sanctioned by the League of Nations. Following and the second requires external fund providers. Japan's defeat in the Pacific War of 1941-1945, the Most Micronesian nation-states have very little of United States assumed control. Micronesians were the former and a steadily declining amount of the again denied a significant part in determining latter. Since 1945, they have become highly their own future as the United Nations ratified dependent on external funds in the form of inter America's action and established the Trust national aid, most of which comes from the Territory of the Pacific Islands. United States. With few exceptions, natural Since the 1970s, America has gradually with resources are limited and national economies are drawn from direct administration and restrained because of the continuing excess of Micronesians have acquired national "indepen imports over exports. Consequently, national trade dence." These post-colonial processes were not figures are highly unbalanced, economic opportu always smooth and conflicts occurred within nities are restricted and prospects for near-term Micronesia and between Micronesia and America. improvement are limited. Nevertheless, self-government was achieved. A Oceanic peoples are genuinely proud of their consequent, passionate interest in what varied and dynamic cultures, frequently focusing Micronesians perceive to be their "real" heritage is on areas that Western cultures tend not to appreci developing, together with the realization that they ate. For example, Western styles of cultural preser must now manage their past on their own terms. vation concentrate on tangible historic property. In Difficulties are attached to this as the triple contrast, Micronesians do not always value tangi conundrum of historic preservation remains— ble historic property highly but show a marked who owns it, who wants it, and who pays for it? preference for non-tangible heritage such as tradi From a conceptual viewpoint it seems so easy. If tional skills and knowledge. This preference seems people have the right to determine what elements particularly strong in low coral atoll communities of the past are to be preserved as their heritage, such as the Marshall Islands. Perhaps this may be they need only make their choices, allocate attributed to factors such as their reliance on less resources, and it is preserved. From a pragmatic permanent resources for tools and building mate viewpoint however, it is much more difficult. rials, and the frequency and extent of damage Effective preservation of cultural property is from severe tropical storms.
46 CRM No 1—2001 During the post-colonial era, the focus of ing room and kitchen were never repaired. All that preservation in Micronesia has changed from non- remains are badly deteriorated concrete founda indigenous historical property to indigenous cul tions. Although nominally part of the historic site tural heritage. This critical development has and despite its high significance from both archi increased the complexity of historic preservation tectural and historic viewpoints, it was excluded management and may also have triggered "adop from preservation projects in 1976 and 1984 and tion" of some historic property that may otherwise left in disrepair. This exclusion strongly implied have been regarded as colonial heritage. The the building was considered to be worthless and, Likiep Village Historic Site, in the Republic of the consequently, when an urgent need for its material Marshall Islands, is a powerful example where his arose elsewhere, it was used without qualm. toric property associated with the operations of Preservation of German colonial heritage in trading companies during the German administra Micronesia depends for the most part on these tive period has been "adopted" by the Marshallese small nation-states receiving sufficient resources people. from elsewhere. They simply do not have either Without appropriate management, such the finances or the experienced personnel to pre property deteriorates rapidly as tropical decay serve what remains. If it is to be preserved, then processes continue unabated. Despite this out actions need to be taken now because deteriora standing example, a general lack of interest by tion is accelerating in a natural process. Although both Micronesian nation-states and Germany is it cannot be stopped, it can be delayed sufficiently evidenced in three ways—a lack of funding, a lack so that important historic property may be docu of proposals to preserve, and a widespread public mented appropriately. lack of knowledge of their shared past. For exam The major problem remains one of owner ple, 40 hand-written business books were found ship. Germany displays little interest in extant in decaying in a pool of water and accumulated rub situ records of her brief time as a colonial power in bish in a disused house in Likiep Village. the Pacific. Micronesians do not generally regard Originating from operations by German (Jaluit remaining German colonial property as belonging Gesellschaft) and Marshallese (A. Capelle and to them. They do not perceive it to be part of Co.) businesses on Likiep during the period 1908 their heritage, they feel little sense of ownership or to 1919, they are historically and culturally signifi association, and have little desire to preserve it. It cant. Their treatment may indicate a lack of inter is unrealistic to presume they will use scarce local est in a past considered unimportant or more resources to preserve something nobody appears to probably a lack of knowledge of their historical want. Consequently, preservation strategies and significance. practices that recognise the political and physical The conundrum remains—whose heritage is realities of a 21st century "Oceania" are needed if it and who pays? Two projects to preserve the remaining heritage is to be preserved and docu Joachim deBrum house (1976 and 1984) on mented. Likiep Island were funded through the U.S. Joachim deBrum's dining room can no National Park Service. No funds were obtained longer be preserved. Is it also too late for other from Germany despite its obvious close historic historic properties? Unless "owners" can be found connections. and funding for preservation provided soon, Marshallese generally feel that satisfying pre extant historic property originating during sent-day community and family needs is more Germany's colonial administration of Micronesia important than preserving a disused building in will disappear from the Pacific as precipitately as very poor condition and apparently without value. did Imperial Germany. For example, a severe tropical storm damaged many homes on Likiep Island and extensively Jon G. O'Neill, BAppSc (Horn), MACS, is a Ph.D. stu dent in heritage management at the School of damaged a building comprising the dining room Environmental and Information Sciences, Charles Sturt and kitchen of the Joachim deBrum house. University in Albury, NSW, Australia. Despite being listed in the United States National DirkH.R. Spennemann, MA, PhD., is an associate profes Register of Historic Places, material from the din sor at Charles Sturt University in Albury, Australia, where ing room was salvaged and used to repair some of he teaches cultural heritage management. the damaged homes while the deBrum House din
CRM No 1—2001 47 William S. Ayres and Emensio Eperiam Training in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
rotection of archeological and his administered by the U.S. National Park Service toric sites poses significant prob has provided funding for historic and cultural lems for decision makers who preservation on Pohnpei since the late 1970s. must decide what we most want to Pohnpei State Site Data conservPe from the past. Such sites and materials Archeological site information on the reflect cultural forms as they existed in the distant islands forming Pohnpei State has been collected past and as they have been shaped historically, systematically only within the last 25 years. Still, and so they continue to be central today to main although most of the land is still unsurveyed, the tenance and reconfiguration of cultural identity. total site inventory is approximately 1,000 sites at This is especially true in the newly independent present (many of which are comprised of dozens and rapidly changing countries within the former of major architectural features). The first system U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, atic effort to do intensive survey on Pohnpei in Micronesia. While decisions about what to pre the late 1970s concentrated on sample land units serve must lie with islanders and their govern on the main island;1 as well, site recording was ments, continuing international cooperation in accomplished on And, an atoll near Pohnpei,2 building the technical expertise for site recogni and detailed surveys have been conducted on tion, conservation, and development is essential Kapingamarangi, but not on the other Pohnpei for successful long-term management. Pacific State atolls. Intensive field studies have been done Island governments are becoming more and more since the 1980s by William Ayres at Nan Madol, dependent on their own staffs to do cultural which represents an internationally recognized resource management and local historic preserva element of the world's cultural heritage; it is tion programs are being expected to carry out listed as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.^ basic survey and assessment as well as to manage Other traditional sites, historic sites from the the sites. Office staffs are overburdened and colonial period, and landmarks and cultural land improved access to necessary information is scapes are still viewed as fundamentally impor needed to improve cultural resource management tant by the island residents. The efforts of Rufino at a time when development and other land Mauricio, a Pohnpeian, now with a Ph.D. in modifications are increasing. archeology and the National Historic Pohnpei State is one of four states within Preservation Officer for the Federated States of the Federated States of Micronesia, a new nation Micronesia, were critical to much of this early whose islands extend across nearly 3,200 km work. (2,000 miles) of the western Pacific Ocean. Archeological and ethnographic studies Pohnpei State, consisting of over 160 individual conducted in the Salapwuk area of Kiti islands and reefs comprising six main islands, Municipality were undertaken in 1989-90 by the includes one large volcanic high island of approx University of Oregon and the Pohnpei Historic imately 310 sq. kilometers (133 sq. miles) and Preservation Office staff as part of the several low coral atolls. The tropical climate and Micronesian Resources Survey to provide a case natural environment pose special problems for study of appropriate methods and procedures for documenting and conserving sites, which include cultural resource inventory, assessment, and con stone ruins such as house foundations, tombs, servation. Specifics for the current training pro agricultural features, and ritual centers such as gram come from the earlier surveys and the the massive complex of Nan Madol, as well as guidelines developed from the Salapwuk project historic sites from the colonial period, and cul by Ayres and Mauricio. tural landmarks. The Historic Preservation Fund
48 CRM No 1—2001 Training Projects upland secondary forest, among others, pose Recent University of Oregon archeological issues for recording sites using either GPS or tradi training projects on Pohnpei and Palau thus far tional surveying methods. However, GPS is in reg have included field survey, site recognition and ular use now on Pohnpei and it will be employed definition, various levels of mapping, site descrip even more in the future for site recording. tion formats, and database development. The Another complication for the site database training projects conducted on Pohnpei in 1998 is the varying nature of the descriptive data avail and 1999 concentrated on a residential complex able for sites after locations have been established. at Nanimwinsapw, Sokehs, a traditionally impor Much of this information for Pohnpei exists in tant area on the island's north coast. This exten differing formats and levels of detail and, for sive site has elaborate stone features such as paved example, many sites are known only as an oral walkways, enclosures, house foundations, and rit history reference while many others have UTM ual architecture extending from the shoreline well coordinates, ecological zone and other environ into the interior. In addition to dozens of prehis mental data tied to them, and have voluminous toric features, the area also includes a German descriptive detail, especially as at the Nan Madol colonial period road dating to the early-20th cen site. We argue that Pohnpei must address these tury and extensive Japanese military fortifications issues as there is no functional, comprehensive dating to the 1940s. Features were described and site inventory database at present. mapped in an effort to provide basic documenta Recommendations tion before the site is further damaged. • The Pohnpei State Historic Preservation Office Other training projects included detailed needs to update its record system for archeo GPS point survey locations and mapping in the logical and traditional sites and improve access well-known Nan Madol site on Pohnpei's east to site distributional data. The authors are coast. As well, we developed a cooperative plan to working together in an effort to achieve this create a comprehensive site record database. and to create a hard copy and computer-based Thus, the interaction involved both collaborative archeological and historic site database. It archeological research and cultural resource man would be integrated with land use manage agement. ment systems, including Arc View and CAD Site Management Systems programs, employed by the Division of Land's Increased applications of new technologies surveying and cartographic division. Three such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and basic levels of access to site records are pro Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have posed through which office staff could sort and expanded the nature of archeological investiga analyze historic sites, landmarks and landscape tion in recent years and this has raised debate features, and land-use information. about the best means to manage locational data. • A relational database management system A basic issue is whether the spatial locational should be set up for historic preservation man aspects of site management are so fundamental agement, perhaps with Internet access to a cen that GIS should be used, or that instead a true tral database for all four states of the Federated Relational Database Management System States of Micronesia. (RDBMS) is required as the basic technical sys The historic preservation staff of Pohnpei tem. ^ A computer-based system introduced as State, in cooperation with the historic preserva part of the Micronesian Resources Survey to the tion office of the national government—as the islands in 1989 featured specially created software responsible government agencies—will need to for site management; however, this was not effec continue to refine and update the site records sys tive because of complex user demands and lack of tem. A major function will be adding new site continuity and training. In much of Micronesia, data as these become available from continuing GIS land management is being developed just archeological field projects and on-going cultural now by natural resources departments and major resource management work. issues are yet to be resolved that will affect how The site documents available for Pohnpei different kinds of land use information will be represent an extremely valuable cultural resource integrated. For example, in Pohnpei's case, varied asset. The sites represent a wide range of types environmental zones representing mangrove and the stone ruins are some of the most remark swamps, dense historic coastal settlement, and able in the entire Pacific area. To influence land-
CRM No 1—2001 49 use planning and to meet the needs of long-term 2: Proceedings, Indo Pacific Prehistory Association, management, a readily accessible management Guam (1990): 187-212. system is increasingly critical. Thus, three main * William S. Ayres and Rufino Mauricio, Pohnpei Archeology Component: Salapwuk Archeology: Survey arenas for attention include developing the tech of Historic and Cultural Resources of Pohnpei State. nical skills of the HPO staff; improving the site San Francisco: Micronesian Endowment for inventory system; and using the research and site Historic Preservation and U.S. National Park documentation results provided by outside Service. (1997). researchers to help achieve office goals. William S. Ayres and Rufino Mauricio, Definition, Among the many known sites in Pohnpei ownership, and conservation of indigenous land State, few have been assessed relative to U.S. scapes at Salapwuk, Pohnpei, Micronesia. In The Archeology and Anthropology of Landscape, ed. P. National Register status, or something equivalent Ucko and R. Layton (1999): 298-321. New for Pohnpei, and having a way of keeping track York/London: Routledge. of and comparing sites for assessment purposes is ' Multiple Authors, Point-Counterpoint: Site File essential. Beyond the inherent value of the hun Databases and GIS Systems, SAA Bulletin 13(4). dreds of known archeological and historic sites in Society for American Archaeology. Pohnpei State, there are thousands more yet to be Deidre McCarthy, Upgrading Inventories. NCPTT recorded. Much progress in establishing cultural Notes 19 (1997): 1-2. Washington: National Park resource management in Micronesia has been Service, U.S. Dept of the Interior. Tim Seaman, Spatial Data Management in SHPO made through substantial commitments over the Information Systems. NCPTTNotes 33: (1999): 6- last 30 years in funding and personnel training; 7. Washington: National Park Service, U.S. Dept of however, much remains to be done. Clear assess the Interior. ment and coordination of training needs and an increasingly active historic preservation program William S. Ayres is Professor of Anthropology at the in Pohnpei State will be required. University of Oregon. His research, teaching, and cultural resource management work have focused on the Pacific Notes Islands, and in particular the study of subsistence, tradi 1 Willliam S. Ayres, Archaeological Survey in tional use of stone resources, and the development of com Micronesia. Current Anthropology 20:3 (1979):61- plex societies. 92. Joyce Bath, Sahpwtaki: Archaeological Survey and Emensio Eperiam is Chief, Historic Preservation Office, Testing. (Micronesian Archaeological Survey Report Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia, and the key 14. Saipan: Trust Territory Historic Preservation administrator on Pohnpei. He has worked in historic Office, 1984). preservation for more than 14 years. D. Colt Denfeld, Field survey ofPonape : World War II features. (Micronesian Archaeological Survey Reports, 2. [Saipan] : Office of Historic Preservation, Trust Territory of rhe Pacific Islands., 1979). Acknowledgements 2 William S. Ayres, Alan Haun, and Craig Severance, The authors wish to thank David Panuelo, Subsistence and Settlement on Ponape, Micronesia. Head of Lands and Natural Resources for Micronesian Archaeological Survey Reports No. 4. Pohnpei State and Condios Cornelios, Head of (Ponape Archaeological Survey Report 78-2). the Land Surveying Office, as both have been Saipan: Historic Preservation Office. 1981. instrumental in providing resources for suveying * Stephen Athens, Archaeological Investigations at Nan Madol: Islet Maps and Surface Artifacts (Guam: and map management. Our thanks go as well Pacific Studies Institute, 1980). to: Retty Lawrence, HPO site recorder and oral William S. Ayres, Archeology at Nan Madol, historian; Lisa Andon and Lerleen David, Ponape. Bulletin 4 of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Maritime Museum staff; Rosenda Etse, HPO Association, pp. 135-142 (1983). Canberra. staff; Derelisa Ardos, College of Micronesia stu William S. Ayres, Micronesian Prehistory: Research dent trainee; and Raymond Ladore independent on Ponape, Easrern Caroline Islands. In Recent Advances in Indo-Pacific Prehistory, V.N. Misra and field archeologist. Dr. Rufino Mauricio, Chief P. Bellwood, eds, pp. 399-409. New Delhi: Oxford Archaeologist and Historic Preservation Officer, and IBH (1985). for the Federated States of Micronesia, is the William S. Ayres, Pohnpei's Position in Eastern FSM liaison. Micronesian Prehistory, Micronesica, Supplement
50 CRM No 1—2001 Felicia R. Beardsley about culture; its survival and transmission to suc ceeding generations; its role in the persistence and continuity of a unique identity among a people? Is culture waning as traditional practices fragment in Jungle Warfare 2000 response to globalization? Cultural memory, the very essence of cul tural survival, is stimulated and nourished by the istoric preservation in properties embedded in tangible and intangible Micronesia is as much about traditional resources. Historical sites and land keeping an encroaching jungle scapes, oral histories, dances, songs, chants, and at bay as it is a race to docu other forms of traditional activities are the sym ment Ha precious heritage before it succumbs to the bolic agents of culture, the means by which it is forces of man and nature. Whether it is the pres transmitted, projected, and ultimately coalesced. sures of development or benign neglect, the This is the heritage of a people and a place, its his demise of historical resources is accelerating. Plant torical character and the very fabric of its exis growth and rising sea levels promote chemical tence. Ennui, denial, lack of interest, or just plain degradation of historic building materials, while neglect can dramatically tilt the fragile balance of economic demands for modernization encourage continuity toward an erosion of resources, until the the demolition of traditional properties without loss of both knowledge and practice is complete. benefit of documentation. Small budgets, few in- Island states like Kosrae and Yap in the FSM place conservation policies and legislation, and have recognized the critical need to preserve their raw inertia of governments conspire to check heritage. Local historic preservation offices, estab progress on heritage preservation. But the picture lished during Trust Territory times, serve as stew is not as bleak as it sounds. Recent archeological ards of that heritage. They are charged with devel work in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) oping, maintaining, and preserving a bank of tra demonstrates the potential for historic conserva ditional knowledge no longer recorded in the tion in the region, and the pride in community memories of younger community members, as well that arises as a lost heritage is viewed once again. as documenting, recording, and managing the sites It also demonstrates the fragile state of these of their ancestors. But their responsibilities are resources, where work one year is easily undone daunting. They are faced with limited budgets, a the next. lack of training, and diminishing assistance as the Within a global perspective, Micronesia cov economic Compact of Free Association with the ers a vast expanse of the western Pacific. It is com United States comes to an end; they are also facing prised of hundreds of small islands, each with its the ever-persistent and unalterable forces of nature, unique history of settlement and occupation, and as well as the inevitable demise of older genera each facing similar problems in conserving and tions who were the cultural archives in the past. preserving that history. That the heritage of the Today, the region's historical sites and prop tropical western Pacific is in peril is undeniable; it erties are obscured and hidden by heavy vegeta is the resolution to these problems that is more tion, if not by the jungle then coastal mangroves. difficult. The demands of heritage preservation are This is a part of the world where vegetation often seen as too costly and impeding progress; growth is extraordinary; a tree cut down one day is with limited personnel and financing, there is sim sprouted to its full size the next, or almost. It is a ply not enough money to go around. A fully place where the features of a site are continually funded heritage conservation program is a fata displaced, distorted and gradually lost through the morgana. movement of roots, rotation of vegetation In a young, independent country like the regimes, shifts in stream channels, subsidence and FSM, recently emerged from a century of colonial uplift, tidal fluctuations, changes in sea level, and dominance, precedence is given to establishing a the actions of man. Sites are in a constant state of post-colonial government where administrative transformation. During their original occupation, priorities are concentrated on infrastructure devel pioneering vegetation was held in check as sites opment and those goods and services directly were maintained, renovated, and rebuilt. Upon affecting the health and welfare of the community. abandonment, however, these same sites were Medical services, schools, clean water, roads, and rapidly overtaken by the very vegetation held at communications receive top priority. And what
CRM No 1—2001 51 bay for so long; they became subject to the inter canals, tombs, and living compounds. During the play of post-depositional forces, including garden later part of the island's prehistory, it was the cen ing, materials scavenging, and other uses. ter of the paramountcy; it is here the first In 1999, during a four-month period in Yap, Europeans were welcomed to the island. Today, it the jungle was cut away from Dinay Village, an is not only fluctuating tides that promote chemi old site by all accounts where names of platforms cal degradation of building foundations and mate were no longer recalled (an indication that lineage rials, but also occupation of the site by mangroves ties were long forgotten). It is one of the earliest and jungle. Unlike Dinay, Leluh is the focal point settled villages, according to oral history, the place of tourism; it plays a key role in the economic where pottery and fire were introduced to the peo cycle of the island. The task of maintaining the ple by the spirits. Little remains of the site other site and cutting away the vegetation on a daily and than foundations distorted by time and vegetation monthly basis has been taken on by the commu growth, and the accumulation of later remnants of nity in partnership with the HPO. Other sites on- traditional ditch gardens, Japanese occupation, island, unfortunately, do not receive the same and defensive fortifications. Dinay is a small, com attention. Some have been scavenged for building plex village with a network of stone paths, a for materials, others have been swallowed by the jun mal entrance, a series of platforms and com gle and now languish in a near-primordial state. pounds, a community well, and a community Heritage preservation, management, and meeting place. Recording, mapping and docu stewardship in the FSM and throughout menting the site was a difficult task for the HPO Micronesia are a challenge. How do you stem the staff, especially keeping the jungle at bay. By the growth and advance of vegetation? How do you time fieldwork came to an end, the jungle had protect a site from the ravenous forces of nature? nearly closed in on the site, once again obscuring How do you manage a site in light of more press it from view. During that brief time the jungle was ing community needs? Ultimately, heritage man held in check, community members visited the agement is an issue that must compete with other site, first out of curiosity and then pride at seeing societal needs in the legislative and political are and experiencing a significant part of their history. nas, where decisions are left to elected representa As of this writing, the jungle has reclaimed Dinay. tives. The preservation community, including the Limited budgets and personnel and demands for struggling island HPOs, must simply keep a heritage preservation throughout the state pre sharpened machete in hand. clude continued maintenance. At the opposite end of FSM, Kosrae is facing Felicia R. Beardsley, Ph.D., is coordinator of the Pacific Rim Research Unit, Department ofAnthroplogy, a similar problem: the maintenance and conserva University of California - Riverside. In 1998-1999, she tion of Leluh, its most significant site. Leluh is an served as consulting archeologist for the FSM under a pro artificial island with massive stone constructions, gram funded by the U.S. National Park Service.
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