Archaeological survey in the lower Amehiti district ‘Opunohu valley, Mo’orea

Archaeological survey in the Lower and Upper Amehiti sectors of the ‘Opunohu Valley were undertaken in advance of the planned construction of a pineapple plantation. Many of these sites had previously been documented by Roger Green (see Green and Descantes 1989). In Lower Amehiti seven major archaeological complexes were mapped and described including a unique secon- dary chiefly center (ScMo-2) and another major ceremonial complex with two marae and several specialized house sites (ScMo-15). Upper Amehiti sites included Site ScMo-287-328, a large concentration of marae, house sites (both residential and specialized) and agricultural sites forming a uniquely preserved village complex. The sites in this more-isolated sector of the valley are well-preser- ved, with some having unique architectural elements varying from sites found elsewhere in valley. Furthermore, the size and com- plexity of some of the Amehiti archaeological complexes suggest the presence of moderate to high-status residential groups, contrary to previous models suggesting this zone was largely used for commoner-based agriculture. Service de la Culture et du Patrimoine Bilan de la recherche archéologique en Polynésie française 2005-2015. Dossier d’Archeologie polynésienne 6