Fire up the Uhmw: Deciphering Botanical Residues from Earth Ovens in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Summary

In Pohnpei, Micronesia, the uhmw, or earth oven, is one important way of preparing food. These ovens are typically located in cookhouses next to residential sites. Pohnpeians use heated stones on the ground to cook food and cover items with large leaves while cooking. It is clear that umhw are a long-standing Pohnpeian tradition, as multiple examples have been found in the archaeological record. In this paper, we ask what botanical residues from uhmw can tell us about the prehistory and history of Pohnpeian culinary practices. We analyze microbotanical remains (phytoliths, raphides) and macrobotanical remains from umhw features on Temwen Island, Pohnpei. We also integrate analysis of the cookhouse structures. Finally, we discuss Pohnpeian umhw in larger Pacific context, including the social importance of earth ovens throughout the region, highlighting the importance of the study of botanical residues in understanding past culinary practices.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Science of Organic Residue Analysis and the Art of Cultural Interpretation II   •
• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 15259