Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 2. Human Activities
Draft 1 March 2007
Garnett (1983a) reported that no archaeological evidence had been found on McKean. The
existence of the Polynesian rat suggested that McKean had been visited earlier.
In 1985, as part of Australia’s assistance to Kiribati in setting up its Exclusive Economic
Zone, a team visited McKean and documented several stone structures there (Throssell and
Specht 1989; see Figure III-2.9 below). Stone structures were primarily on the west side of
the island. There was one structure each on the north and south side of McKean. These
structures were of uniform construction of coral limestone boulders placed on top of each
other with no mortar. Walls were 40 to 50 cm thick. All walls have partially collapsed,
except one that stands 2.1 m high. Throssell and Specht (1989) described three different
types of structures: (1) six with three or four straight walls (see Figure III-2.10 below), (2)
two with irregular walls and sizes, and (3) two boulder trails across the lagoon forming a v
shape.
Figure III-2.9. Locations of stone structures on McKean
(source: Throssell and Specht 1989).
A. Map of McKean with stone lined trails in
lagoon and archaeological sites on the west side
B. Enlargement of west side of
McKean with archaeological sites
Figure III-2.10. Structure of group A, standing 2.1 m high, on McKean
(source: Throssell and Specht 1989).
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