Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 12, 1 December 1985 — Book Review [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Book Review

Feathered Gods and Fishhooks An Introduction to Hawaiian Archaeology And Prehistory Patrick Vinton Kirch Universify of Hawaii Press $26. The inspiration for this latest publication eame from the need to have an "up-to-date review of Hawaiian archaeology and prehistory" whieh could be used by students and professionals alike. Although it is not a complete overview of Hawaiian archaeology and prehistory, Kirch covers a wide range of background and primary topics. There are general discussions on environment, Polynesian origins, current theories and information about archaeology in the Pacific and Hawaii, as well as detailed discussions about the archaeology of eaeh of the islands, and the relationship of archaeology towards understanding Hawaiian society and culture. Kirch's text is accompanied with over 200 photographs and drawings, and he provides an excellent bibliography of references for the study of Hawaiian archaeology. Many of the photographs have not been published before and eome from the Bishop Museum Department of Anthropology, and others have eome from private sources. Although Kirch has attempted to remove mueh of the jargon found in archaeologicaI reports, Feathered Gods and Fishhooks is still difficult reading for the "general reader." However, as a University textbook and reference, whieh was the primary mover to publish this book, Kirch has accomplished a major contribution to Hawaiian studies. His overview covers the hey day activities of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum and brings the reader to the contemporary busir»ess of "contract archaeology" and its recent findings. Kirch's condusions as to the state of archaeology, especially the immediacy fo'r an improved public commitment in Hawaii, provides a yery frank outlook whieh should eoneem every reader. He states, "In the past few years historical archaeology has been immersed in controversy . . . state officials charged with historic preservation have been slow to recognize or even admit that valuabie resources still exist even in high-density urban areas. The people of Hawaii . . . as well as the native Hawaiians, must take an active part in assuring that the finite treasures of ancient Hawai'i are not squandered in the next few years." It is this type of sensitivity and outlook whieh will make Feathered Gods and Fishhooks a necessary part of one's library. Another point is that this is one of the few books written by a loeal boy. Kirch is a Punahou School graduate who has worked at the Bishop Museum as head of the Division of Archaeology before leaving for the University of Washington and the Burke Museum. However, for the general reader, it is recommended to read eaeh chapter selectively until finishing the entire book, as some of the charts and information may be too technical. — MNC

Some of the delegates participating in the Iegislative panel discussions include from left to right former Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Piilani C. Desha, OHA Trustee Moses Keale, Auntie Agnes Cope, mother of new OHA Administrator Kamaki A. Kanahele III, Rep. Kinau Kamali'i, OHA Trustee Gard Kealoha and Gladys Rodenhurst.