Exploring Prehistoric Violence in Tonga: Understanding Skeletal Trauma from a Biocultural Perspective

摘要: In prehistory, the Kingdom of Tonga in Polynesia was a powerful centralized chiefdom. However, little is known about society archipelago prior to establishment It has been surmised that during its formation violent, but there no archaeological evidence support this. This research investigates if skeletal trauma collection remains from reflects deliberate violence representative warfare through macroscopic and radiographic examination fractures other traumatic lesions. Because history Tongan recorded ethnographically, it expected interpersonal would manifest itself as isolated ulnae cranial trauma. Results showed significant difference (P = .05) between number fractured (n 8/53) compared with radii 2/51). Radiographs revealed were indicative direct force trauma, probably reflecting defensive ...