Ancient Sāmoan Structures Unveil the Birth of Social Hierarchy
Archaeological findings in Samoa's Falefa Valley reveal how population growth and fertile lands shaped the origins of hierarchical societies in Polynesia.
A groundbreaking discovery1 in the dense jungles of the Falefa Valley on ʻUpolu Island, Sāmoa, has unveiled significant insights into the origins of land and social hierarchy in Polynesian society. Led by Associate Professor Ethan Cochrane from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, the study draws new connections between population growth, agricultural wealth, and the development of social status.
Unearthing the Past: Ancient Structures Revealed
Ancient rock walls, high mounds, and ditches discovered in the Falefa Valley provide crucial clues to understanding the beginnings of land demarcation and associated social hierarchies in Samoa and wider Polynesia. These findings have captivated ordinary Sāmoans, offering them the opportunity to compare ancient political and village boundaries with modern ones and those preserved through oral traditions.
The Role of LiDAR Technology
The team's fieldwork relied heavily on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a mapping technology that uses pulsed laser light to create topographic maps by measuring distances to Earth. When flown from a plane, LiDAR can penetrate dense foliage, revealing structures hidden beneath the forest canopy. This technology, used around the Pacific for the past 15 to 20 years, was employed in Sāmoa for the first time, uncovering rock walls, platforms, and mounds dating back between 600 and 900 years.
The Archaeological Expedition
The fieldwork in Sāmoa involved navigating dense bush in challenging weather conditions, akin to an "Indiana Jones archaeology" experience. Despite the discomfort, the rewards were immense. The uncovered structures, ranging from family dwellings to civic and ceremonial projects, showcased incredible architectural feats. Among the most intriguing finds were 'star mounds,' possibly used for the chiefly sport of pigeon snaring.
Population Growth and Social Hierarchy
The study, conducted in partnership with the National University of Samoa and local villages, connects the timing and reasons for constructing these ancient structures to a 'collective action problem.' Cochrane explains that the dramatic rise in population in Sāmoa around 900 years ago led to the construction of rock walls and irrigation ditches to secure resources. This resource demarcation was a response to the challenge of sharing limited resources among an increasing population.
Fertile Lands and Social Stratification
The research indicates that the earliest rock walls were built near more fertile lands in the western and northern regions of the valley. Soil sample analyses confirmed the fertility of these areas, supporting the hypothesis that access to these valuable resources was a driving force behind the establishment of social hierarchies. The findings suggest that the Samoan chiefly system, prevalent across Polynesian society, may have originated from these early land access dynamics.
Implications for Global Human History
The study provides a broader context for understanding the rise of hierarchical societies worldwide. Cochrane notes that 20,000 years ago, most human societies were relatively equitable, with fewer positions of status and power. However, over millennia, hierarchical structures emerged globally. The Sāmoan discovery sheds light on how access to resources and population pressures can drive the development of social stratification.
Conclusion: Preserving the Past for Future Insights
The research underscores the importance of preserving these 'forest pharmacies' and ancient structures for future generations. Observing the behaviors of early societies offers valuable lessons for understanding the complexities of human evolution and social development. As Cochrane emphasizes,
"The medicinal knowledge and architectural ingenuity observed in these ancient societies highlight the interconnectedness of human history and the natural world, urging us to protect these invaluable resources."
Cochrane, E. E., Quintus, S., Prebble, M., Tautunu, T. A. A. M., Autufuga, D., Laumea, M., Queenin, A., Augustinus, P., & Lincoln, N. K. (2024). Collective action problems led to the cultural transformation of Sāmoa 800 years ago. PloS One, 19(6), e0304850. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304850