Archaeologists uncover moa bones

Moa bones and other relics of Maori settlement around Redcliffs have been found during excavations at the Main Rd for a wastewater pipe. 

Archaeologists Jeannette McIsaac and Michael Trotter working in the roadside trench at Redcliffs [Credit: The Star]

Fulton Hogan, working for Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team, appointed archaeologist Michael Trotter to monitor the excavation. 

The work found evidence of early Maori occupation dating back about 600 years, including earth ovens (hangi) and the remains of cooked food including shellfish, seals, dogs, and moas. 

A bead made out of a fossilised shell and a workshop area where stone adze heads were crafted was also discovered. 

The most significant find was a small clay ball that had been baked in a fire. 

"There's a degree of excitement in all archaeological work - you never know what your trowel is going to uncover!" he said. "The finding of the baked clay ball was especially important because only a few of them have ever been found." 

The work caused little delay to the pipe project. 

Author: Nick Tolerton | Source: The Star [February 13, 2012]