Domestic and Religious Structures in the Emily Bay Settlement Site, Norfolk Island

Abstract

At Emily Bay, domestic structures include earth ovens, scoop hearths and a possible rectangular house inferred from posts and postholes. An area of stone paving nearby is argued to be a religious structure, or marae. Made of naturally available stone, it lies slightly below the surface of the darker sand cultural layer. Obsidian flakes were found above it and postholes beneath. Several edging blocks of various shapes are noted. Radiocarbon dated to c. 700-600 B.P., this platform fits within the known parameters of other East Polynesian marae of similar age.