Archeologists have also seen an increased diversity of tools and raw materials for tool-making during the Latte Era, which could reflect changing lifestyles and movement between coastal settlements and more inland residences. This may be because of the rarity of Pre- Latte Era excavations or other undetermined factors. Most of the recovered tools are from sites associated with the Latte Era (about 1000 to 250 years ago). Close examination of ancient CHamoru tools show some similarity in form and function to certain modern hand tools. Nevertheless, archeologists have been able to recover numerous shell, bone and stone tools used by the ancient inhabitants of these islands. Because of the tropical climate and environmental conditions of the Marianas, however, plant and wood tools have not been preserved well. Like other Pacific Island cultures, ancient CHamorus used a variety of tools made of stone, shell, bone, wood and other plant materials. Sometimes comparing tools used in other cultures-both ancient and contemporary-is helpful for painting a picture of ancient CHamoru tools and tool use. There are also historic accounts that archeologists may refer to that describe tools used by the CHamorus at the time Europeans first traveled to these islands. This training is not foolproof and mistakes are made, but for the kinds of tools found among archeological assemblages in the Mariana Islands there are some features to look for, including the kind of materials used to make the tools, the shape of the tools, and their placement in the overall context of the excavation site. Evidence of wear that does not resemble what would occur if only natural forces had acted on a stone is also important for assessing whether an object was modified or used as a tool. Shells may have holes or grooves where fiber cords would have been attached, or sharpened edges for cutting and scraping. Stone tools generally will have evidence of retouching, where one of the surfaces of the rock has been shaped or sharpened. It is not always easy, but archeologists are trained to look for identifying marks or other clues to indicate that something might be a tool.įor example, ancient tools often are of the size and shape that are easy to hold and operate with a single hand.
But, how can an archeologist know something was used as a tool, and is not simply a rock or shell lying in the dirt? Sometimes, artifacts are obviously manmade-such as pottery or sculptures-or there is other evidence of modification by human hands. What do these tools teach us about ancient CHamoru culture and society? Identifying tools from the pastĪrcheologists excavate through layers of soil and other deposits to look for artifacts. The ancient CHamorus had a number of tools they used to adapt and survive in tropical islands. We can appreciate the technology and skill applied to make and use tools, as well as the kinds of tasks the tools were designed to help carry out. By studying tools we can see how people utilized the resources in their surrounding environments. Tools can tell us a lot about culture and the people who made and used them. In fact, the ability to make and use various tools is often cited as a key feature of humanity. But tool manufacture and use by humans is more complicated. With this simple definition, tools can be almost anything, such as sticks, rocks or shells.
A tool is an object or implement that is taken from the environment and modified to perform a new function. Some of the most useful artifacts to study are tools. Making use of available resourcesĪrcheologists learn about societies and cultures of the past by looking at the objects or artifacts that people left behind.
John Craib View more images for the Ancient CHamoru Tool Making entry here.
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