Work

Resource procurement and inter‐regional connections in pre‐contact Taranaki, New Zealand: New evidence from geochemical analysis of obsidian

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Early Polynesian colonists in New Zealand were quick to identify key economic resources. One such resource – obsidian – was transported widely during the early settlement phase of New Zealand. Here, we present the results of portable X‐ray fluorescence analysis of obsidian artefacts from five early settlement sites and two later sites in Taranaki on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. Our research suggests obsidian from six source areas was present in Taranaki sites, with the majority of material coming from Mayor Island and the nearby Coromandel Peninsula. Low rates of cortical material suggest a down‐the‐line procurement process, although this result is made equivocal by evidence of relatively expedient use of obsidian in the early period. Finally, the marked variation between Taranaki sites and contemporary sites further north appears consistent with the development of regionally specific procurement strategies very early in pre‐contact New Zealand.

Source: Archaeology in Oceania/Archæology & physical anthropology in Oceania

DOI: 10.1002/arco.5189

Authors: ANDREW BROWN, DEREK PITMAN

Institution: Bournemouth University

Language: English

Topic: Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies

Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,500

Funder: Leverhulme Trust