Geographical Review of Japan
Online ISSN : 2185-1719
Print ISSN : 0016-7444
ISSN-L : 0016-7444
On the Megalithic Structures of Kusaie and Ponape
Ichiro YAWATA
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1932 Volume 8 Issue 4 Pages 310-326

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Abstract
On the eastern coasts of both Kusaie and of Ponape are preserved the megalithic structures for which these places are noted. The megalithic structures in these two places resemble each other in various ways; the artifacts from them being very similar. The inevitable conclusion is that they are the work of people of the same culture. Stone structures are found all over Polynesia, especially in the central and northern parts of the group. They mark the centre of the social actvity of the islanders and also the sacred precincts.
The ruins found in Kusaie and Ponape resemble the Polynesian stone structures, suggesting some cultural kinship. Many cultural elements of the Eastern Caroline islanders resemble those of the Polynesians, and the megalithic structures are probably examples of it. It is to be noted., however, that, the stone ruins of the eastern Carolines .are either situated near the sea or rise from it. In these respects they differ from the Polynesian. Some artifacts discovered there are not of Polynesian type. These are significant facts in the problems concerning the relations of the two types.
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© The Association of Japanese Gergraphers
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