Review by Choice Review
Rainbird's comprehensive work elegantly sets forth a new paradigm of fluidity, fusion, and flux. Extensive detail demonstrates the value of each paradigm segment. Thus, "fluidity" refers to the sea as well as complex trade routes. "Fusion" includes long-distance trade contacts and the concomitant cultural influences. "Flux" refers to how the islanders altered their landscape to make their environment more favorable. Rainbird's analysis of the megalithic city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei argues for a shift from the urbanization construct to the canonical matrilineal clan. Such clans combine actual and negotiated ancestry. Nan Madol's structural modification was one way to signal individual ancestry and provide mnemonic aids to genealogical claims. Rainbird (Univ. of Wales, Lampeter) considers the full importance of women and the social complexity of matrilineal society throughout the book. Fluidity, fusion, and flux break new ground and can apply to many other regions. On many levels a thought-provoking work, it makes the point that connections, rather than boundaries, are key. Rainbird uses all available archival and recent sources and provides maps, tables, black-and-white illustrations, and an excellent index. ^BSumming Up: Essential. All Micronesian and Pacific collections. Highly recommended. All upper-division archaeology collections. L. A. Kimball Western Washington University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
