Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand

Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database

An early artefact assemblage from the northern Waikato coast, New Zealand

Author
Ritchie NA, Moore PR, Ogden J
Year
2008
Journal / Source
New Zealand Journal of Archaeology
Volume
30
Pages
89-111
Keywords
Waikorea, chert, obsidian, trolling lures
Summary
This paper presents the first detailed published analysis of a significant artefact assemblage from the Waikato coast (Port Waikato to Awakino). It centres on the study of surface collections made in the late 1980s from eroding middens near the mouth of the Waikorea Stream, south of Port Waikato. Five trolling lures are a feature. They are notable because of similarities in style to those from WanganuiTaranaki, and the fact that few lures have previously been described or illustrated from the Waikato coastal area. The study also provides insights into connections with other areas as reflected in the presence or absence of various lithic materials.