What are latte stones in the Mariana Islands thought to have supported?

In the Mariana Islands, latte stones—which consist of paired rows of large stone pillars topped with capstones—are thought to have served as the foundations for raised houses. Some historical accounts also suggest these structures may have functioned as canoe sheds.12

Because the number of identified latte sites is relatively small compared to the estimated population of the time, experts have conjectured that these stone foundations may have been reserved exclusively for the use of chiefs or other wealthy individuals, while other dwellings may have been built on wooden piles that have since decayed.1