Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-q99xh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T06:59:03.908Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Evidence for Late Polynesian Colonization of New Zealand: University of Waikato Radiocarbon Measurements

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2016

T. F. G. Higham  and
A. G. Hogg
T. F. G. Higham
Affiliation:
Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, School of Science and Technology, University of Waikato Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand
A. G. Hogg
Affiliation:
Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, School of Science and Technology, University of Waikato Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

We present radiocarbon determinations for 271 New Zealand archaeological samples measured at the University of Waikato Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory between 1975 and 1995. A discard protocol is applied to the series and the list culled to winnow the acceptable dates from those that may incorporate error. None of the 221 acceptable 14C determinations older than 600 bp (in the case of terrestrial samples) or 930 bp (in the case of marine and estuarine shell) extends beyond cal ad 1250. This conclusion supports the short chronology model of New Zealand prehistory presented by Anderson (1991).

Type
Articles
Information
Radiocarbon , Volume 39 , Issue 2 , 1997 , pp. 149 - 192
Copyright
Copyright © The American Journal of Science 

References

Allen, H., Phillips, C., Skipper, A., Te Moananui-Waikato, J., Reidy, C and Cook, B. (ms.) 1994 Task-Force Green/University of Auckland Archaeological Project, Waihou River (1993). Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland.Google Scholar
Anderson, A. J. 1989 Prodigious Birds: Moas and Moa-hunting in Prehistoric New Zealand . Cambridge, Cambridge University Press: 238 p.Google Scholar
Anderson, A. J. 1991 The chronology of colonization in New Zealand. Antiquity 65(249): 767–795.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Anderson, A. J. 1996 Was Rattus exulans in New Zealand 2000 years ago? AMS radiocarbon ages from Shag River Mouth. Archaeology in Oceania 31: 178–184.Google Scholar
Anderson, A. J. and McFadgen, B. G. 1990 Prehistoric two-way voyaging between New Zealand and East Polynesia: Mayor Island obsidian on Raoul Island and possible Raoul Island obsidian in New Zealand. Archaeology in Oceania 25: 37–42.Google Scholar
Anderson, A. J. and McGovern-Wilson, R. 1990 The pattern of prehistoric Polynesian colonisation in New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 20(1): 41–63.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Anderson, A. J. and Smith, I. W. G. 1992 The Papatowai site: New evidence and interpretation. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 101: 129–158.Google Scholar
Anderson, A. J., Smith, I. W. G. and Higham, T. F. G. 1996 Radiocarbon chronology. In Anderson, A. J., Smith, I. W. G. and Allingham, B. J., eds., Shag River Mouth: The Archaeology of an Early Southern Maori Village . Australian National University Research Papers in Archaeology and Natural History 27. Canberra, ANH Publications, RSPAS: 60–69.Google Scholar
Beavan, N. R. and Sparks, R. J., in press, Factors influencing 14C ages of the Pacific rat Rattus exulans . Proceedings of the 16th International Radiocarbon Conference. Radiocarbon .Google Scholar
Bedford, S. and Allen, H. 1993 When is a shell midden not just a shell midden? Archaeology in New Zealand 36(3): 120–134.Google Scholar
Best, S. (ms.) 1992 The Queen Street gaol: Auckland's first courthouse, common gaol and house of correction (site R11/1559). Department of Conservation, Auckland.Google Scholar
Bowers, L. and Jones, K. 1991 Tauwhare pa archaeological investigation and site restoration. Department of Conservation Technical Report Series 9 . Department of Conservation, Rotorua.Google Scholar
Bulmer, S. 1994 Sources for the archaeology of the Maaori settlement of the Taamaki volcanic district. Science and Research Series 63 . Department of Conservation, Wellington.Google Scholar
Bulmer, S. and Maingay, J. (ms.) An interim report on the investigation of pa site N7/70 at Butler Point, Mangonui Harbour. In preparation.Google Scholar
Caughley, G. 1988 The colonisation of New Zealand by the Polynesians. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 18: 245–270.Google Scholar
Chester, P. (ms.) 1986 Forest clearance in the Bay of Islands. M.A. thesis, Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland.Google Scholar
Coplen, T. B. 1994 Reporting of stable hydrogen, carbon and oxygen isotopic abundances. Pure and Applied Chemistry 66: 273–276.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Currie, L. A. and Polach, H. A. 1980 Exploratory analysis of the international radiocarbon cross-calibration data: Consensus values and interlaboratory error. Preliminary note. In Stuiver, M. and Kra, R. S., eds., Proceedings of the 10th International 14C Conference. Radiocarbon 22(3): 933–935.Google Scholar
Davidson, J. 1981 The Polynesian Foundation. In Oliver, W. H and Williams, B. R., eds., The Oxford History of New Zealand . Wellington, Oxford University Press: 3–27.Google Scholar
Davidson, J. 1984 The Prehistory of New Zealand . Auckland, Longman Paul: 270 p.Google Scholar
Doelman, T. E. (ms.) 1995 Te Awa a Korako: The archaeology and ethnohistory of Te Kiri Kiri. M.A. thesis, University of Auckland.Google Scholar
Elliot, M. B., Striewski, B., Flenley, J. R. and Sutton, D. G. 1995 Palynological and sedimentological evidence for a radiocarbon chronology of environmental change and Polynesian deforestation from Lake Taumata-whana, Northland, New Zealand. Radiocarbon 37(3): 899–916.Google Scholar
Fredericksen, C. and Visser, E. 1989 Archaeological Excavations at Site R11/1519, Cryers Road, East Ta-maki, Auckland, New Zealand . Science and Research Series No. 21. Wellington, Science and Research Division, Department of Conservation.Google Scholar
Fredericksen, C. and Visser, E. 1991 Calibrated radiocarbon dates from Cryers Road (R11/1519): A correction. Archaeology in New Zealand 34(3): 161–162.Google Scholar
Furey, L. 1991 Excavations at Whitipirorua, T12/16, Coromandel Peninsula. Records of the Auckland Institute and Museum 28: 33–68.Google Scholar
Gulliksen, S. and Scott, E. M. 1995 Report of the TIRI workshop, Saturday 13 August 1994. In Cook, G. T., Harkness, D. D., Miller, B. F. and Scott, E. M., eds., Proceedings of the 15th International 14C Conference. Radiocarbon 37(2): 820–821.Google Scholar
Higham, T. F. G. (ms) 1993 Radiocarbon dating the prehistory of New Zealand. D.Phil. thesis, University of Waikato, Hamilton.Google Scholar
Higham, T. F. G. (ms) 1994 Radiocarbon dating New Zealand prehistory with moa eggshell: Some preliminary results. Quaternary Geochronology (Quaternary Science Reviews) 13: 163–169.Google Scholar
Higham, T. F. G and Hogg, A. G. 1995 Radiocarbon dating of prehistoric shell from New Zealand and calculation of the ΔR value using fish otoliths. In Cook, G. T., Harkness, D. D., Miller, B. F. and Scott, E. M., eds., Proceedings of the 15th International 14C Conference. Radiocarbon 37(2): 409–416.Google Scholar
Higham, T. F. G and Johnson, L., in press, The date of prehistoric occupation at Raoul Island, the Kermadec group. Archaeology in Oceania .Google Scholar
Hogg, A. G. 1992 Assessment of 0.3-ml minivials for radiocarbon dating by liquid scintillation counting of benzene. In Long, A. and Kra, R. S., eds., Proceedings of the 14th International 14C Conference. Radiocarbon 34(3): 389–393.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hogg, A. G., Higham, T. F. G. and Dahm, J., in press, Radiocarbon dating of modern marine and estuarine shellfish. Proceedings of the 16th International Radiocarbon Conference. Radiocarbon .Google Scholar
Hogg, A. G., Higham, T., Robertson, S., Beukens, R., Kankainen, T., McCormac, F. G., van der Plicht, J. and Stuiver, M. 1995 Radiocarbon age assessment of a new IAEA Quality Assurance material. In Cook, G. T., Harkness, D. D., Miller, B. F. and Scott, E. M., eds., Proceedings of the 15th International 14C Conference. Radiocarbon 37(2): 797–803.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hogg, A. G., Lowe, D. J. and Hendy, C. 1987 Waikato Date List 1. Radiocarbon 29(2): 263–301.Google Scholar
Holdaway, R. N. 1996 Arrival of rats in New Zealand. Nature 384: 225–226.Google Scholar
Hooker, R. H. (ms.) 1986 The archaeology of the South Westland Maori. New Zealand Forest Service Report, Hokitika.Google Scholar
Jacomb, C. (ms.) 1995 Panau, periodisation and northeast South Island prehistory. M.A. thesis, Anthropology Department, University of Otago, Dunedin.Google Scholar
Johnson, L. 1991 A History and Archaeological Survey of Raoul Island, Northern Kermadec Islands . A report produced in fulfillment of Key Output 31 of the Department of Conservation, Auckland Conservancy 1990/91 Business plan. Auckland, Department of Conservation: 71 p.Google Scholar
Johnson, L. 1992 Archaeological Investigation of Site O04/116, Oparahi, Mangonui, Northland . Auckland Conservancy Historic Resource Series No. 3. Auckland, Department of Conservation.Google Scholar
Johnson, L. 1995 In the Midst of a Prodigious Ocean: Archaeological Investigations of Polynesian Settlement of the Kermadec Islands . Auckland Conservancy Historic Resources Series No. 11. Auckland, Department of Conservation: 100 p.Google Scholar
Jones, K. L. 1990 Settlement chronology on river terrace landforms: A New Zealand case study. Geoarchaeology 5(3): 255–273.Google Scholar
Kirch, P. V. 1986 Rethinking East Polynesian prehistory. Journal of the Polynesian Society 95(1): 9–40.Google Scholar
Kuzmin, Y. V. and Tankersley, K. B. 1996 The colonization of Eastern Siberia: An evaluation of the Palaeolithic age radiocarbon dates. Journal of Archaeological Science 23(4): 577–85.Google Scholar
Law, R. G. (ms.) 1984 Archaeological carbon dating using shell – the New Zealand experience. Paper presented at the New Zealand Archaeological Association Conference, Oamaru, 1984.Google Scholar
Lowe, D. J., McFadgen, B. G., Higham, T. F. G., Hogg, A. G., Froggatt, P. C. and Nairn, I. A., in press, Radiocarbon age of the Kaharoa tephra, a key marker for late Holocene stratigraphy and archaeology in New Zealand. Submitted to The Holocene .Google Scholar
McCormac, F. G., Hogg, A. G., Higham, T. F. G., Lynch-Steiglitz., J., Broecker, W., Baillie, M. G. L., Palmer, J., Xiong., G. L., Brown, D. and Hoper, S. T., in preparation, Interhemispheric difference in Δ14C: An anthropogenic CO2 effect.Google Scholar
McFadgen, B. G. 1980 Maori Plaggen soils in New Zealand, their origin and properties. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 10(1): 3–18.Google Scholar
McFadgen, B. G. 1982a Dating New Zealand archaeology by radiocarbon. New Zealand Journal of Science 25: 379–92.Google Scholar
McFadgen, B. G. 1982b Report to NZHPT on Authority Application for site N56/18. NZHPT Report, Wellington.Google Scholar
McFadgen, B. G., in press, The pre-European Maori Archaeology of the Wellington Conservancy: A prehistoric and palae-oenvironmental study. Wellington, Department of Conservation Google Scholar
McFadgen, B. G., Knox, F. B. and Cole, T. R. L. 1994 Radiocarbon calibration curve variations and their implications for the interpretation of New Zealand prehistory. Radiocarbon 36(2): 221–236.Google Scholar
Newnham, R. M., Lowe, D. J., McGlone, M. S., Wilm-shurst, J. M. and Higham, T. F. G., in press, The Kaharoa Tephra as a critical datum for earliest human impact in northern New Zealand. Journal of Archaeological Science .Google Scholar
Pain, C. F. 1979 Radiocarbon ages from dune sands near Aotea and Kawhia Harbours, North Island, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics 22(2): 291–292.Google Scholar
Phillips, C. and Allen, H. 1996 Anatere pa, Athenree, Bay of Plenty. Archaeology in New Zealand 39(4): 264–277.Google Scholar
Polach, H. A. 1976 Correlation of 14C activity of NBS Oxalic Acid with Arizona 1850 wood and ANU Sucrose standards. In Berger, R. and Suess, H. E., eds., Radiocarbon Dating . Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference, Los Angeles and La Jolla, 1976. Berkeley, University of California Press: 115–124.Google Scholar
Prickett, N. 1992 Archaeological excavations at Raupa: The 1988 Season. Records of the Auckland Institute and Museum 29: 25–101.Google Scholar
Rozanski, K., Stichler, W., Gonfiantini, R., Scott, E. M., Beukens, R. P., Kromer, B. and van der Plicht, J. 1992 The IAEA 14C intercomparison exercise 1990. In Long, A. and Kra, R. S., eds., Proceedings of the 14th International 14C Conference. Radiocarbon 34(3): 506–519.Google Scholar
Schmidt, M. D. (ms.) 1993 “Few have been tested by the spade…”: Pa excavation and radiocarbon dating in New Zealand archaeology. M.A thesis, University of Auckland.Google Scholar
Schmidt, M. D. (ms.) 1996. The commencement of Pa construction in New Zealand Prehistory. Journal of the Polynesian Society 105: 441–460.Google Scholar
Slocombe, A. 1996 Excavation of a waterlogged site near Kaikohe. Archaeology in New Zealand 39(1): 48–53.Google Scholar
Smith, I. W. G. 1994 Organisation and operation of the New Zealand Archaeological Site Recording Scheme. Archaeology in New Zealand 37(4): 282–299.Google Scholar
Spriggs, M. 1989 The dating of the Island Southeast Asian Neolithic: An attempt at chronometric hygiene and linguistic correlation. Antiquity 63: 587–613.Google Scholar
Spriggs, M. 1996 Chronology and colonisation in Island Southeast Asia and the Pacific: New data and an evaluation. In Davidson, J., Irwin, G., Leach, F., Pawley, A. and Brown, D., eds., Oceanic Culture History: Essays in honour of Roger Green . Dunedin North, New Zealand, New Zealand Journal of Archaeology: 33–50.Google Scholar
Spriggs, M. and Anderson, A. J. 1993 Late colonisation of East Polynesia. Antiquity 67: 200–217.Google Scholar
Stuiver, M. and Becker, B. 1993 High-precision decadal calibration of the radiocarbon time scale, ad 1950–6000 bc. In Stuiver, M., Long, A. and Kra, R. S., eds., Calibration 1993. Radiocarbon 35(1): 35–65.Google Scholar
Stuiver, M. and Braziunas, T. F. 1993 Modeling atmospheric 14C influences and 14C ages of marine samples to 10,000 bc. In Stuiver, M., Long, A. and Kra, R. S., eds., Calibration 1993. Radiocarbon 35(1): 137–191.Google Scholar
Stuiver, M. and Pearson, G. W. 1993 High-precision bidecadal calibration of the radiocarbon time scale, ad 1950–500 BC and 2500–6000 bc. In Stuiver, M., Long, A. and Kra, R. S., eds., Calibration 1993. Radiocarbon 35(1): 1–25.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stuiver, M. and Polach, H. A. 1977 Discussion: Reporting of 14C data. Radiocarbon 19: 355–363.Google Scholar
Stuiver, M. and Reimer, P. J. 1993 Extended 14C data base and revised CALIB 3.0 14C age calibration program. In Stuiver, M., Long, A. and Kra, R. S., eds., Calibration 1993. Radiocarbon 35(1): 215–231.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sutton, D. G. 1987 A paradigmatic shift in Polynesian prehistory: Implications for New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Archaeology 9: 135–157.Google Scholar
Sutton, D. G. 1994 Conclusion: Origins. In Sutton, D. G., ed., The Origins of the First New Zealanders . Auckland, Auckland University Press: 243–258.Google Scholar
Trotter, M. M. 1968 On the reliability of charcoal for radiocarbon dating New Zealand archaeological sites. New Zealand Archaeological Association Newsletter 11: 86–8.Google Scholar