MOLOA‘A — A team of students recently spent a day sifting through archaeological sediments to help determine the age and significance of Larsen’s Beach. The Waioli Corporation, owner of the Lepeuli ahupua‘a, partnered with the University of Hawai‘i Anthropology Department
MOLOA‘A — A team of students recently spent a day sifting through archaeological sediments to help determine the age and significance of Larsen’s Beach.
The Waioli Corporation, owner of the Lepeuli ahupua‘a, partnered with the University of Hawai‘i Anthropology Department by allowing access for a supervised brief archaeology survey of a site at Larsen’s Beach within the ahupua‘a, according to a news release from Waioli Corp.
Dr. David Burney of the National Tropical Botanical Garden assisted Professor Terry Hunt of the Archeological Field School who supervised the student team from Hawai‘i and the Mainland.
“We worked quietly down at Larsen’s Beach to assess the archaeological potential of the area and now have a much more comprehensive picture of the site,” Burney states in his summary to Waioli Corp.
Burney said during the field trip the student teams collected samples of organic material, including kukui nut fragments deep in the stratigraphy, or stratified rocks, to properly date the site.
“I am sending off several samples from our dig at Larsen’s Beach for radiocarbon dating,” Burney said. “Results take several weeks to a couple of months, so we will hold off on submitting a full report until these results are in. They will greatly enhance our interpretation of the site.”
Burney said the teams were able to obtain a stratigraphic sample of sediments from top to bottom and a better understanding of the lateral extent of the site.
During the field trip to Larsen’s, Burney said the group was met by David and Linda Sproat who provided an introduction to the history and traditions of the area, highlighting the trip with an appropriate pule for the occasion.
“There is a distinct possibility we might like to work on the site again,” Burney said.
Waioli Corp. is a tax-free nonprofit formed in 1975 by Mabel Wilcox to oversee the management of six historic sites on Kaua‘i.
The organization is committed to the mission of preserving and conserving historic properties and collections through controlled use, conducting and assisting research, and providing public educational programs.
The Archaeological Field School, affiliated with the UH Manoa Anthropology Department and NTBG, obtained full permission from Waioli Corp., leaseholder Bruce Laymon, and Nancy McMahon of the State Historic Preservation Division, Burney said.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
