14th-century Maori village discovered

Melbourne, June 4

Scientists have discovered the peripheries of a 14th-century Maori village in New Zealand, containing tools and food items that can shed more light on the lifestyle of the settlers.

Among the findings in the 2.5 metre-deep excavation were moa bones and other food items, fish hooks manufactured of moa bone and stone tools made of obsidian and chert.

The site was located on the edge of an old riverbed. The obsidian (volcanic glass) was used by early Maori settlers as simple cutting tools. The materials found are estimated to date back to the early 1300s.

Uncovering the site is significant from a scientific and cultural perspective, said Richard Walter, a professor at University of Otago in New Zealand.

"We don't know as much about the early occupation around this part of the coastline as we do in other parts of the country. There are not too many of these very, early sites and so this one is filling the gaps," said Walter.

The area has a significant history as the first landing place of waka (canoes) which carried Maori to the district; and the first contact between Maori and explorer James Cook taking place on the river in 1769.

Given the amount of material found at the site, the chances of finding a village within the vicinity are quite high. — PTI.