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Colonisation, mobility and exchange in New Zealand prehistory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Richard Walter ,
Chris Jacomb  and
Sreymony Bowron-Muth
Richard Walter
Affiliation:
Anthropology Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand (Email: richard.walter@otago.ac.nz)
Chris Jacomb
Affiliation:
Anthropology Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand (Email: richard.walter@otago.ac.nz)
Sreymony Bowron-Muth
Affiliation:
Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
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Abstract

An analysis of the exchange of lithics in settlement period New Zealand (fourteenth century AD) is used to throw light on the mechanisms of colonisation more generally. The early distribution of New Zealand's Mayor Island obsidian demonstrates efficient exploration and dispersal, and the rapid establishment of long-distance exchange networks similar to that seen in early Melanesian obsidian movements. But in New Zealand the motivation is the cementing of social networks, rather than maintaining connections back to a homeland. In the sixteenth century, the distribution of a new high status material, nephrite, shows a different supply system – suggesting trade.

Keywords

New ZealandMelanesiaLapitacolonisationtradeobsidiannephrite
Type
Research articles
Information
Antiquity , Volume 84 , Issue 324 , June 2010 , pp. 497 - 513
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd 2010

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