Rediscovering Hawaii’s Archaeological Heritage in 2023 Edition

Dive into ancient Hawaii with the expanded 2023 edition of Feathered Gods and Fishhooks, revealing new archaeological findings and insights. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The 2023 edition of "Feathered Gods and Fishhooks" presents a comprehensive update to Hawaiian archaeological history, incorporating recent decades of research.

Notable revelations include an adjusted arrival date for Polynesians in Hawaii, the diverse purposes of heiau, and the impact of extensive dryland farming.

This volume interweaves archaeological data with indigenous Hawaiian oral histories, offering a detailed portrayal of Hawaii's historical transformation.

Revisiting the Rich Archaeological History of Ancient Hawaii

Step into the revised world of Hawaiian history with the updated “Feathered Gods and Fishhooks.” Esteemed archaeologist Patrick V. Kirch, together with colleague Mark D. McCoy, rejuvenates a foundational work that stands as a cornerstone in Hawaiian archaeological studies. After four decades, this new edition emerges as a vital resource for understanding Hawaii’s archaeological saga.

Renewed Insights into Hawaii’s Archaeological Past

Kirch, a seasoned anthropology professor at the University of Hawaiʻi, stitches a rich array of research and literature spanning forty years. Starting with a retrospective on Hawaii’s archaeological practices, the book delves into the origins of Polynesian and Hawaiian civilizations, tracing cultural transformations right up to the moment European explorers first made contact in the 18th century.

Significant Discoveries Redefining Hawaiian History

In this collaborative effort, Kirch and McCoy, an anthropology professor at Florida State University, cast new light on aspects of Hawaiian life from agriculture and daily routines to ceremonial sites and post-contact cultural shifts. Updated research has led to a revised timeline for the initial Polynesian settlement and a deeper understanding of the heiau as multi-functional spaces.

The Evolution of Hawaiian Culture and Landscapes

The narrative continues, detailing the changes in Hawaiian rural landscapes following European arrival and how these have been interpreted through archaeological means. Importantly, the authors correlate the archaeological narrative with moʻolelo, validating these indigenous oral histories as true historical records.

Patrick V. Kirch compiles a treasure trove of studies into a single, coherent account of Hawaii’s past in “Feathered Gods and Fishhooks.” The book is a go-to synthesis for those curious about Hawaii’s ancient history, complete with a thorough bibliography, now available through UH Press.