Father Julien Vidal and the Social Transformation of a Small Polynesian Village (1787-1930): Historical Archaeology at Massacre Bay, American Samoa

Authors: Pearl, Frederic; Loiseau-Vonruff, Sandy

Source: International Journal of Historical Archaeology, Volume 11, Number 1, March 2007 , pp. 32-59(28)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The site of A`asu, American Samoa, is infamous in the annals of history as the site of a tragic encounter, in 1787, between French explorers and Samoans, that left 42 or more dead and wounded. Beginning in 1876, an investigation of A`asu was independently conducted by a French missionary priest, Father Julien Vidal (SM). His letters document his search for answers at A`asu, and to find the resting places for the men left behind by the French fleet. Archaeological investigations at A`asu carried out in 2001 and 2002 yielded evidence that contribute to our understanding of the social transformations taking place in Tutuila during the late 18th to early 20th century.

Keywords: Samoa; Catholicism in Oceania; La Pérouse; Julien Vidal; Society of Mary

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10761-006-0024-0

Affiliations: 1: Email: pearlf@tamug.edu

Publication date: 2007-03-01