Nan Madol
Pohnpei, Micronesia. Saudeleur Dynasty. c. 700-1600 C.E. Basalt boulders and prismatic columns
Pohnpei, Micronesia. Saudeleur Dynasty. c. 700-1600 C.E. Basalt boulders and prismatic columns
The megalithic architecture that characterizes the site consists of long, naturally prismatic log-like basalt stones which were often built up over foundations of large basalt boulders to form high-walled rectangular enclosures. This type of architecture occurs only sporadically on the main island which suggests that the people who used these structures were of very high status.
Form:
- Materials are basalt boulders and prismatic columns
- Carved basalt stones from volcanic plugs
- Transported stones 5-50 tons from mountains to reef without the use of large animals or complex machinery
- Thought to be an engineering masterpiece with such little technology available at the time
- A system of canals that crisscrosses the ruins
- "Nan Model" translates to "spaces between
- Did not use concrete, but instead, a crisscrossing pattern of horizontal logs called stretchers and perpendicular logs on top of them called headers (similar to post and lintel)
Function:
- Remote location meant they did not have to devote many resources towards the military
- Allowed them to instead concentrate on building a unique capital city complex that became the Nan Model
- Served as a home to over 1,000 inhabitants
Context:
- Pohnpei, Micronesia
- Saudeleur Dynasty
- An early example of a centralized political system in the western Pacific
- Placed high importance on agriculture and gods
- 700-1600 C.E.
- Inhabitants referred to it as the "Reef of Heaven"
- Saudeleur Dynasty fell with increasingly oppressive rulers and offending several deities, eventually fell in 1628.
- Now it is an abandoned city with no preservation. Crumbling ruins with much mystery and unknown.
Content:
- A system of crisscrossing canals
- Luxurious palaces for the rulers and smaller houses surrounding for their servants
- Contained a variety of specialized islets
- Some for constructing canoes, holding sacred eels, and preparing coconut oil for sacred ceremonies
Cross-Cultural Connections:
- Log system used for the structure similar to log cabins
- Log crisscrossing pattern of stretches and headers similar to the post and lintel system used on Stonehenge.
- Note architectural similarities despite being isolated
- Place of residence for the elites and servants of a society
- Forbidden City
- Versailles
Themes:
- Sacred Space
- Images of Power and Authority
- The Natural World
- Change over time
- Sacred/Profane
- Innovation: Materials and Techniques
