A treasure trove of artefacts recovered from Papanui Inlet on
Otago Peninsula may lead to the area becoming a site of
national significance.
After the discovery of a partial human skull in 2007, a
nearby eroding wooden structure was excavated and one of the
items from it was revealed as a small outrigger float - one
of just three believed to be in the country.
The find has prompted Otakou runanga to call for the site to
be nationally recognised.
Runanga manager Hoani Langsbury said a meeting would be held
next month between the various stakeholders, including the
New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Department of
Conservation, to discuss the area's future.
"We don't want to keep people away from the area, just
increase the amount of monitoring we do."
To deter treasure-hunters, the exact location of the find is
being kept secret.
Fossicking is deemed illegal under the Historic Places Act
1993.
Coastal erosion continues to reveal historic finds.
More than 50 items were removed from the wooden structure,
measured and recorded at Otago Museum before being sent to
the University of Auckland for analysis.
Mr Langsbury said confirmation was received this week that
the recovered items were from a waka.
The discovery of the small outrigger float made of totara had
caused the greatest level of excitement.
The find highlighted the significance of the area for Maori,
who can be traced in the area back to the 14th century.
The area had been frequented by Ngai Tahu and Kati Mamoe, and
bones were still found, although whether it could have been a
burial site was unclear, Mr Langsbury said.
Carbon dating might be carried out to determine the
approximate age of the latest items, he said.
While it was unclear what would happen to the recovered
items, they might be offered to Otago Museum or, in the case
of items with "national significance", to Te Papa.
New Zealand Historic Places Trust Otago-Southland regional
archaeologist Matthew Schmidt said the discoveries confirmed
Papanui Inlet was "a very important site" and more work was
required in the area.
Preserved wooden artefacts were rare, and required wet or dry
conditions to preserve them in situ, he said.
Department of Conservation acting community relations manager
David Mules said having the area declared a site of national
significance would add another level of protection, and Doc
was likely to support such a move.
hamish.mcneilly@odt.co.nz
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.