New Zealand Journal of Archaeology Index  >  Vol 28 O’Regan.

 

 

NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY
ISSN 0110~540X

ABSTRACT

 

 

Bird Remains from Takahe Valley (D42/1),

Fiordland, New Zealand:

A New Appreciation of the Site

 

Gerard O’Regan1

 

ABSTRACT

A reanalysis of bird remains recovered in 1949–1950 from an archaeological site

(D42/1) in Takahe Valley, Fiordland, shifts the interpretation of the rock shelter from

being the kill site of a single moa, described as having been butchered with metal

tools, to a site representative of more general forest fowling. A butchery event

involving at least eight kiwi (Apteryx spp.) offers a new insight into the processing

of these birds in southern South Island archaeology. The findings highlight the need

to re-examine collection histories as part of the process of reinterpreting

archaeological collections in museums.

 

Keywords: BIRD REMAINS, FOWLING, BUTCHERY, MOA, KIWI, SITE

INTERPRETATION, COLLECTION HISTORY, FIORDLAND.

 

138 Rimu Street, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand. Email: Gerard.oregan@xtra.co.nz

Ó Copyright New Zealand Archaeological Association.

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