Spatial Analysis of the Distribution of Outlying Features in the Vicinity of Ahu a ‘Umi
Project at Ahu a ‘Umi consisted of analyzing the spatial distribution of the outlying features surrounding Ahu a ‘Umi with in a 140 survey boundary that includes artifacts and feature structures. The focus of my project is on the outlying features of Ahu a ‘Umi Heiau, which include c- shapes, a u-shape, alignments, artifact scatters, cairns, caves, enclosures, hearths, a modified outcrop, mounds, pāhoehoe pits, platforms, quarries, shrines, a trail, uprights, walls, and extraction stones. GIS maps aid in determining settlement patterns of the outlying features and can help address question such as 1) What features are found in the area?; 2) What is the spatial distribution of different kinds of features?; and 3) Is there zoning patterning of working activities in the area surrounding Ahu a ‘Umi?
U‘ilani Macabio, UH-HIP Intern
Geochemical Analysis of Ahu a ‘Umi Basalt and Volcanic Glass
Aoloa Santos, UH-HIP Intern
Analysis of Ahu a ‘Umi's Structural Design: Construction Techniques and Architectural Details
Project for Ahu a ‘Umi looked at the architectural and functional design of the main structure and the evolution from the original to its present state. Specifically, the changes that have occurred to the heiau and surrounding ahu over time and why and how these changes were made.
I will focus on change through time in the structural design of Ahu a ‘Umi with an emphasis on its architectural details and the engineering choices apparent in its construction. The maps and photographs from our fieldwork help establish the current state of the structure and the variations in construction techniques in different parts of the heiau. I will also compare the architectural details with early historical representations of Ahu a ‘Umi, as drawn by Wilkes (1871) and
Baker (1917). We can identify changes to the heiau from these early maps, one of which was drawn before the structure was altered for use as a goat pen in the late nineteenth/early twentieth century.
Kaimi Wilson, UH-HIP Intern
Analysis of C-Shaped Structures Associated with Ahu a ‘Umi
My project focuses on the analysis of c-shaped structures in the vicinity of Ahu a ‘Umi Heiau and how they relate to the heiau. C-shapes are the predominant archaeological feature within our 140-acre survey area. A total of 263 features were found, with 50 features being classified as c- shapes.
