The significance of a Maori adze unearthed in Paremata is still unknown. Archaeologist Pam Chester discovered the adze in April while monitoring earthworks near Para-Plim Rugby Club at Ngatitoa Domain.
The 40-centimetre stone adze, now at Te Papa, was notified this week by the Culture and Heritage Ministry. People have 60 days to claim ownership.
Determining the age of an artefact could help verify ownership when more than one group laid claim, heritage operations manager Brodie Stubbs said. "That occasionally happens because the country is not tidily divided into agreed iwi and hapu boundaries."
Ngati Toa spokeswoman Jennie Smeaton said the iwi would lay claim to the taonga.
"As tangata whenua of this rohe we have a responsibility and obligation as kaitiaki [guardians] to look after taonga for the benefit of all. We hope to work closely with any other claimant parties."
Nga Tara, Ngati Rangi and Ngati Ira occupied the area before Ngati Toa chief Te Rauparaha arrived in the 1820s.
Ms Chester also discovered several earth ovens with fire- cracked cooking stones about 50cm below the rugby pitch. Charcoal samples would help determine the age of the site, believed inhabited from the 15th century.
Author: Bronwyn Torrie | Source: The Dominion Post [July 23, 2011]
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| The stone adze that archaeologist Pam Chester unearthed in April at Paremata's Ngatitoa Domain near a site believed inhabited since the 15th century [Credit: Chris Skelton/Dominion Post] |
Determining the age of an artefact could help verify ownership when more than one group laid claim, heritage operations manager Brodie Stubbs said. "That occasionally happens because the country is not tidily divided into agreed iwi and hapu boundaries."
Ngati Toa spokeswoman Jennie Smeaton said the iwi would lay claim to the taonga.
"As tangata whenua of this rohe we have a responsibility and obligation as kaitiaki [guardians] to look after taonga for the benefit of all. We hope to work closely with any other claimant parties."
Nga Tara, Ngati Rangi and Ngati Ira occupied the area before Ngati Toa chief Te Rauparaha arrived in the 1820s.
Ms Chester also discovered several earth ovens with fire- cracked cooking stones about 50cm below the rugby pitch. Charcoal samples would help determine the age of the site, believed inhabited from the 15th century.
Author: Bronwyn Torrie | Source: The Dominion Post [July 23, 2011]