Adapting Polynesian Adze Technology to New Raw Material at Tiwai Point, Murihiku, New Zealand. (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jennings, Christopher; Weisler, Marshall
• Is Part Of: Lithic technology. Volume 45:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 247
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Polynesian adze technology -- technological adaptation -- New Zealand -- Murihiku -- Bluff argillite; Stone implements -- Periodicals; Tools, Prehistoric -- Periodicals; Antiquities, Prehistoric -- Periodicals; 621.9009012
• DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2020.1782591
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-7261

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Tiwai Point site in Bluff Harbour, Murihiku (Southland) was occupied early in the first century of New Zealand settlement (∼1300 AD). The site was the largest production center of Bluff argillite adzes that supplied settlements up to 500 km distant. This tough recrystalized mudstone was obtained from sources throughout Bluff Harbour and it presented new opportunities and challenges to pioneering Polynesian adze makers. Although suitable for producing Polynesian adze forms, it is tougher than tropical Polynesian basalts and required the development of novel manufacturing techniques. To understand these technological innovations, we produced 155 3D models of Bluff argillite adzes, preforms and blanks from the 1968 Tiwai Point excavation to model adze manufacture using various forms of the raw material. We found a heavy reliance on hammer-dressing as a practical means of working an unusually tough material with variable grain-size anda high potential risk of breakage.