Work

Genealogies and oral histories as chronological networks: interfacing whakapapa (Māori genealogies) with Gregorian calendar year archaeological radiocarbon dates

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Human genealogies serve multiple functions beyond documenting one's pedigree. They operate as complex social frameworks that structure knowledge, delimit group membership, explain historical causation, are political tools, and provide chronological foundations for understanding past events and processes across diverse knowledge systems. Archaeologists, ethnologists, and historians have long related historical information from genealogies and associated histories to solar calendar years. However, unsystematic methodologies, contrasting ontologies, and ethical issues have limited these approaches. In this paper, we review previous attempts at relating human genealogies and associated histories with calendar years. We explain the chronological network approach as a new alternative, including maximum and minimum Gregorian calendar year limits for each event's date estimate. We consider this method capable of greater transparency, adjustment with new information, hypothesis testing, and internally consistent models. The efficacy of the chronological network approach is demonstrated with a case study of Māori genealogies ( whakapapa ), oral histories ( kōrero tuku iho ), and radiocarbon dates. Example genealogical date estimates are interfaced with radiocarbon dates of the initial settlement of Aotearoa New Zealand and the advent of fortifications ( pā ) in the Waikato region. We conclude by discussing the implications and significance concerning Indigenous research methodologies, priorities, and data sovereignty principles.

Source: Archaeometry

DOI: 10.1111/arcm.13074