Abstract
ABSTRACTEarly 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.
Highlights
New Zealand was settled from tropical East Polynesia around AD 1300 (Walter et al 2006)
New Zealand contains over 20 distinct source areas of obsidian, which are frequently grouped into four zones: Northland, the Taupovolcanic zone (TVZ), the Coromandel volcanic zone (CVZ – often sub-grouped into northern sources and those on the Coromandel Peninsula) and Mayor Island
The Mayor Island artefacts were removed with the remaining samples compared to the Rb:Sr/Zr:Sr values of CVZ-CP, TVZ and Coromandel volcanic zone (CVZ-N) (Figure 4)
Summary
New Zealand was settled from tropical East Polynesia around AD 1300 (Walter et al 2006). AD 1300–1500; Walter et al 2006) This period is characterised by a suite of material culture, including large polished adzes, bone and ivory ornaments and one-piece fish hooks that closely resemble types found in East Polynesia and are distinct from later forms (Davidson 1984; Furey 2004). In this period, larger permanent settlements were located in close proximity to resource clusters with smaller camps positioned to exploit a more restricted range of resources (e.g. lithic sources; Smith 1999). AD 1500) is materialised by the emergence of fortified sites (pa), which hint at increased territoriality and social stratification in the later period (Davidson 1984)
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