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A condensed critical review of the literature on Polynesian ethnomedicine is presented. Strengths and weaknesses are assessed with regard to content, objectives, and outcome in relation to broader theoretical and methodological issues in ethnome- dical research. We conclude that more comprehensive and rigorous methodologies and problem orientations are needed, and make recommendations concerning directions for future work.

Temporal relationships are established among artifact assemblages from four archaeological sites on different islands in the Marquesas. One of four models of early East Polynesian prehistory may best explain the data available from these sites. The Marquesan archaeological data are analyzed in terms of the four models. These data, as well as those from sites elsewhere in East Polynesia, favor a model of Interaction and cultural continuity. This model suggests that long distance two-way voyaging linked distant archipelagoes during early East Polynesian prehistory, creating a regional homeland with cultural similarities maintained by intercommunication.

Moorea, 134 km2 of land surface, 70 km of coastline, sister island of Tahiti, is encircled by a coral reef ecosystem 1 km wide and with a surface area of 49 km2. The objectives of the study were : — to establish the present socio-professional status of the « reef lagoon fisherman » — to determine stocks and catch of different fish species — to quantify auto-consumption and the commercialisation of fish ; — and to estimate the economic value of coral reef fisheries in the context of the present development of Moorea, an island of French Polynesia whose G.D.P. (Gross Domestic Product) is one of the most important in the South Pacific area. Coral reef fishing by selective, non destructive methods, as well as road side selling of fish by the fishermen themselves are carried out all year round. This traditional form of coral reef fishing is preserved and supported by local demand which is also traditional. However it remains outside of tourist hotel circuits and commercialisation by middlemen. If the number of fishermen can be estimated as around 50 compared to an active population of 2,763 (out of 8,800 inhabitants) of which 442 are employed in the primary sector, the number of fishermen living mainly by that activity is only 15. The product of coral reef fishery is to be about 50 ± 16 tons per year, which represents between 7 and 13 kg per hectare. However the exploitation of the ichtyological resource concerns only five species, accounting for 65 % of the total tonnage. Population dynamic studies related to these species will be necessary in order to know if they are under or over exploited. Coral reef fishing represents an income of between 25 ± 8 millions CFP.. The average income for a fisherman living mainly from that economical activity is close to the 1992 legal minimum wage level in French Polynesia.

Regimes of inequality and repression have become the predominant pattern in the plural societies of the Third World. Very few consociational arrangements for sharing power have emerged to reconcile the divergent claims of the ethnic elements in the state so as to preserve a modicum of democracy and stability simultaneously. Inequality and ethnic domination have become the new norms. In this article, we examine the Fiji case looking at the patterns of inequality and repression that have emerged in the new 1990 constitution of this mini South Pacific state.