BOOK REVIEWS

Archaeological Investigations on Chek Lap Kok Island. William Meacham. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Archaeological Society, 1994. Pp. 806; illus.

Reviewed by YUN KUEN LEE, California, Fullerton State University

This volume is a professional report on the The Chek Lap Kok project also provides results of the salvage archaeological project a series of 12 radiocarbon dates obtained on Chek Lap Kok Island in Hong Kong, from prehistoric charcoal samples. By com­ occasioned by plans to construct a new bining these with the recently obtained airport. The Hong Kong Archaeological radiocarbon dates from other prehistoric Society, chaired by William Meacham, was sites in Hong Kong, a solid chronology of commissioned to conduct a salvage archae­ Hong Kong prehistory can be established. ological operation over a period of about This chronology has great reference value one year: the largest archaeological under­ for the prehistory of the region. Among the taking ever carried out in Hong Kong. several absolute dates, those of the Bronze During the project a total of seven prehis­ Age are most intriguing. These dates firmly toric and historic sites were extensively place the Bronze Age occupation at Chek excavated. This volume is accompanied by Lap Kok between 1300 and 1000 B.C. The a small bilingual booklet, Archaeological Dis­ Bronze Age occupation also yielded three covery on Chek Lap Kok, a project summary pairs of bivalve axe molds. These finds are for the general public. unique in the region and indicate that the Chek Lap Kok is a small island whose prehistoric people of Chek Lap Kok may history spans the entire period of human have developed advanced knowledge of occupation in the Hong Kong area, from metallurgy. These results support a recently the earliest inhabitants of the Middle Neo­ developed notion that the Bronze Age cul­ lithic around 4000 B.C. to the recent flood tures of South China may have developed of immigrants from mainland China. It thus very early and independently of North constitutes a microcosm of Hong Kong's China. past (p. 270). Until recently, our knowl­ The historic occupation of Chek Lap edge of Hong Kong prehistory was sketchy Kok is representative of the history of and fragmentary. The Chek Lap Kok proj­ Hong Kong. Artifacts diagnostic of all ect yields invaluable information on the major Chinese dynasties except the Ming reconstruction of a local cultural sequence. were recovered from Chek Lap Kok. Only With reference to other discoveries in Hong four Han sherds were found. For Hong Kong, Meacham presents a pottery sequence Kong as a whole, Han artifacts are rare, of prehistoric Hong Kong comparable to and Ming objects are even rarer-ail indi­ that of neighboring Guangdong province cation that Hong Kong was barely inhab­ and the South China coastal region. This ited in these periods. The most intriguing confirms the link of Hong Kong to the recoveries of the historic period are the mainland in the prehistoric period. two kiln complexes, each comprising 13 kilns. One complex obviously consisted of As;an Ptrspurivtr, Vol. 35, No. I, © 1996 by University of lime kilns, while the function of the other Hawai'j Press. complex has yet to be identified, though it 100 ASIAN PERSPECTIVES . 35(1) . SPRING 1996

may have been used for smelting iron. Al­ These editorial shortcomings could easily though the analysis of kilns in this volume have been rectified by a competent manu­ is brief, there are adequate descriptions, dia­ script editor. grams, and pictures for readers who are It is difficult to assess the results of the interested in them. survey and excavation because the project The Chek Lap Kok archaeological proj­ strategies and procedures are not explicitly ect involved several experts from other dis­ outlined in the text. Although it is said that ciplines, which made possible an in-depth a complete survey was conducted in the first study of the archaeological materials. The stage of the fieldwork (p. 2), we cannot project thus sets an example for archaeolo­ evaluate its "completeness." We do not gical fieldwork in this region. However, the know the intensity of the survey and the level of the expert reports in this volume surface visibility. We also do not know varies. The lithic analysis is by far the most whether core drilling and shovel testing detailed. The ceramic study is disappoint­ were applied. However, this volume pro­ ing because it is limited to the identifi­ vides an appreciable number of quality cation of ceramic types without further illustrations that allow me to make some analysis. The pollen analysis has yet to be conjecture concerning the excavation pro­ completed with interpretive statements on cedures. It seems that the excavated units the evolution of palaeo-environment. Im­ were intuitively selected and that no sam­ provement can be made, I think, with a pling technique was employed. The exca­ strong emphasis by the project director on vation tools included shovels, spades, picks, the goals and requirements of these studies. and hoes for horizontal stripping of the The deficiency in organization is also occupation floors. More meticulous tools, seen in the editing of this volume, espe­ such as trowels, brushes, and dental picks, cially in the lack of a unified list of refer­ were used when excavating features and ences. Some references are presented at the complete or relatively complete artifacts. ends of sections, while others are listed at No screen is seen in any of the excavation the end of the volume. This arrangement pictures. It is encouraging, nevertheless, is sure to confuse some readers. In addi­ that the project accounted for the forma­ tion, the citations have not been carefully tion processes of archaeological deposits in checked, and there are several sources that several instances, although the mechanisms cannot be found in the references. For of deposition were not identified. All these instance, Ling 1963 (p. 40) is absent from factors should be considered when using the references. The volume lacks an index, the material presented in this volume. which makes it difficult to locate and use Overall, when the constraints ofa salvage the material. There are several discrepan­ project are taken into account, the archaeo­ cies in the text. For example, it is said that logical operation at Chek Lap Kok appears "there were, however, two pottery types to have been adequate. This volume not which have not been seen before locally, only sketches a profile of Hong Kong's though they are found in Guangdong. The past, it also provides important information first is a very finely burnished brown ware" for the study of the archaeology of coastal (p. 77). The second pottery type is never South China and Southeast Asia. mentioned in the following paragraphs. BOOK REVIEWS 101

The Lelu Stone Ruins (Kosrae, Micronesia): 1978-81 Historical and Archaeological Research. Ross Cordy. Asian and Pacific Archaeology Series No. 10, Social Science Research Institute. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i, 1993. Pp. xv + 454; 179 figures, 62 tables. '.

Reviewed by J. STEPHEN ATHENS, International Archaeological Research Institute, Inc.

This volume presents archaeological and Ruins after the volume was completed in historical research carried out by Ross 1981, and there have also been several Cordy between 1978 and 1981 on the major archaeological projects on Kosrae's megalithic Lelu Ruins of Kosrae in the main island since that time. The results of Eastern Caroline Islands ofMicronesia. The this new work, unfortunately, are only Lelu research was funded by the Historic summarized and referenced in the epilo­ Preservation Program of the U.S. Trust gue. No effort was made to integrate the Territory of the Pacific Islands in Saipan, newer work or the more recent research of where Cordy worked as staff archaeolo­ others in Micronesia-much of this work gist. The aim of Cordy's project was to now ten years old or more-into the body provide modern baseline documentation of of the monograph. For a study whose pub­ the Lelu Ruins, a remarkable 27 ha (Athens lication has been so long delayed, this is 1995: 37) prehistoric architectural complex perhaps understandable, though unfortu­ of stone-walled compounds, paved path­ nate. Despite this problem, Cordy's re­ ways, large tombs, and canals, built on arti­ search represents a very substantial achieve­ ficial fill on the reef next to a small lagoon ment not only for Micronesian archaeology island. As Cordy explains (p. xii), his inves­ but also for Micronesian history and ethno­ tigations involved two interrelated com­ history. ponents: archaeological research (a total of The Lelu Stone Ruins is divided into three months of fieldwork) and a histori­ eight chapters, followed by a brief com­ cal reconstruction of traditional Kosraean ment on Lelu's future, the epilogue, and society based on documentary sources. five appendixes. All 179 figures-including Although the project is described as a photographs, maps, and line drawings-are joint Bishop Museum-Trust Territory His­ grouped after the appendices, and refer­ toric Preservation Office Study, it is not ences follow the figures. The volume's clear what the museum's role was in this wealth of illustrations, not at all excessive work or the meaning of its "longstanding for the basic level of empirical documenta­ aim to study the Lelu Ruins" (p. xi). The tion it seeks to provide, is one of the most fact that the volume is simultaneously useful aspects of this study (though more oriented to both Kosraeans and profes­ care in the editing process might have re­ sional scholars gives rise to occasional awk­ moved Figure 34, the Cordy map of the ward passages. Although it is commendable Lelu Ruins, which is a duplicate of Figure to write for both audiences, the two styles 8). do not mix very well. In the end, the Chapter 1 provides an overview of weight ofthe volume, with its detailed doc­ Kosraean geography and contact-era cul­ umentation and warranting arguments for ture (first recorded Western contact was on the many interpretations, is heavily skewed 5 June 1824), the nature of the Lelu Ruins, to address the interests of the professional. and prior research efforts. Cordy accepts As explained in an epilogue, several sea­ as "fact, but couched in fiction" the cele­ sons of investigations continued at the Lelu brated legends of Isokelekel's exploits on Pohnpei and of Sowukachaw's feat on

A,i.n Pmp"';v", Vol. 35, No. I, © 1996 by Univmiry of Chuuk (both figures from Kosrae). He Hawai'. Press. would have done better, however, to have 102 ASIAN PERSPECTIVES . 35(1) . SPRING 1996 left open the question ofthe historical accu­ 12 radiocarbon dates obtained. Although racy of these stories. Goodenough (1986) the excavations and number of dates are later provided an alternative perspective both quite limited considering the size of that may be closer to the mark. the ruins, they fill what heretofore has In chapter 2, "The Historic Baseline," been an almost complete void in the litera­ Cordy hits his stride and shows his con­ ture for this important site. Cordy goes to siderable scholarly skills to best advantage. some length to integrate his wall-building No other study comes close to the level of sequence with the absolute dates, arriving documentation and integration of disparate at a convincing chronological model for and often hard-to-obtain foreign-language the growth of Lelu and the development sources that Cordy provides to develop a of a complex chiefdom social organization holistic picture of both traditional Kosraean on Kosrae. A series of maps graphically society and the physical aspect of Lelu at depicts this model. The method of wall the time of contact. The details are numer­ construction and changes in architectural ous: This chapter reads like an ethnography, style, specialized sectors, population size, which is basically what it is, though one social organization, material culture, and written with the archaeologist in mind. burial practices are briefly discussed. The Lelu Ruins served as the social and Chapter 5 concerns the question of who hierarchical center of Kosraean society at built Lelu (the Kosraeans themselves) and contact; it was also the place where the presents a review of the various hypotheses earliest visitors were taken to meet and formulated by early visitors and investiga­ interact with the paramount "king" (Cordy tors. The latter topic is primarily of histor­ always uses this term, in keeping with ical interest. much of the historical literature) and high Chapter 6 is largely an interpretive sum­ chiefs. Thus, the value of meticulous and mary of Cordy's findings. Beginning from detailed historical investigation is obvious. some undesignated time before A.D. 1250, This chapter, indeed, sets the stage for the the beaches and small coastal flats around archaeological documentation and interpre­ Lelu Island were occupied by households tation ofthe site. or small household clusters. By 1250 settle­ Chapter 3 presents the surface archaeolo­ ment expanded onto the reef flat with the gical data. This is a long (117 pages) and first use of artificial fIll to build habitation encyclopedic chapter providing site and in­ compounds. There were two social strata dividual compound maps and data on the at this time, consisting of a local chief and roughly 90-100 compounds that make up commoners. Between 1250 and 1400, the ruins, surface artifacts and features, wall Cordy postulates (p. 258) that there were attributes, specialized sectors, and so forth. "a few district-sized societies [on Kosrae] Included are various analyses: houses and with three strata (ruler, local chiefs, and house types, activity areas, interpretations commoners)." By 1400 construction signif­ ofthe individual compounds, social ranking icantly expanded on the Lelu Island reefflat represented by the compounds, population and compounds with megalithic architec­ size, burials, and other details. Although in ture appeared, along with specialized sec­ time some of the analyses and underlying tors and large tombs. Cordy equates these assumptions will almost certainly be ques­ changes with the emergence of four social tioned and refinements and new types of strata. Social organization conforms closely analyses will take their place, Cordy must to the ethnographic contact-period model, be credited for focusing research on impor­ in which Kosrae was unified under a single tant processual questions and for attempt­ paramount, with an administrative hierar­ ing to provide answers. This chapter will chy of high and low chiefs under this para­ be a rich source of data and ideas for future mount, and with tribute in the form of Micronesian archaeologists. food and services produced by commoners Chapter 4 basically deals with chronol­ flowing into Lelu from administered lands ogy. In all, 18 test pits were excavated and around the island of Kosrae. BOOK REVIEWS r03

Chapters 7 and 8 concern, respectively, complexity at an interesting site for a pre­ Lelu's relations with the superficially simi­ viously little known high island. Minor lar Nan Madol site on Pohnpei and a very editing problems and typographic errors brief review of archaeological evidence are present, but these really do not detract suggesting a relationship between Kosrae from the fundamental scientific value of and Chuuk (basically a similarity in food­ Cordy's study. We must hope that Cordy's pounder styles). next Lelu monograph, documenting his Although the volume is basically descrip­ later investigations, will not be so long in tive and empirical, it is permeated by expli­ coming. cit theoretical and methodological con­ cerns. There is substantial information for REFERENCES readers at any ofseveral levels. The volume should be thought-provoking and should Athens, J. Stephen stimulate much discussion with new anal­ 1995 lAndscape Archaeology: Prehistoric Settle­ yses and research. The main objection to ment, Subsistence, and Environment rif Kosrae, Eastern Caroline Islands, Micro­ the work is that many of the arguments nesia. Report prepared for the Kos­ regarding the character of Kosraean social rae State Government. Honolulu: complexity appear circular or subjective: F.S.M. International Archaeological for example, social and political organiza­ Research Institute. tion inferred to have existed at contact must Goodenough, Ward H. be the same in the archaeological record, 1986 Sky world and this world: The place and vice versa. In essence, Cordy's strength of Kachaw in Micronesian cosmol­ ogy. American Anthropologist 88: 551­ is at once his weakness. His continual refer­ 568. ence to feudal-type social organization is a Graves, Michael W. symptom ofthis problem (see Graves 1986). 1986 Late prehistoric complexity on Lelu: For Micronesian archaeologists and eth­ Alternatives to Cordy's model. jour­ nologists, this volume is essential reading. nal of Polynesian Society 95(4): 479­ It provides a basic set of data concerning 489. traditional historic and prehistoric social