| Abstract: |
Since the beginning of European exploration of the Pacific from the 18th century, Western observers have found important differences of social organization between the geographical groups of Micronesia Polynesia on the one hand and of Melanesia on the other. Anthropological studies have reinforced this apparent difference, tending to show in the west relatively simple and egalitarian organizations, whereas in the east the social structures appear to have been hierarchical, sometimes resulting in strong centralized systems comparable to proto-states (Sahlins 1968). Archaeological research carried out in both Polynesia and Micronesia has shown that the presence of a strong power may be identified by the building of monumental structures (Cordy 1985). Paradoxically, there seem to be far fewer of these structures in the islands of the Melanesian crescent. archaeological surveys currently being carried in Vanuatu and in New Caledonia, leading to the discovery of several types of monumental structure, indicate that this impression is mainly due to a lack of research. The monumental structures of Maré are discussed in this paper and raise questions about the validity of the above differentiation.
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