An analysis of some lithic artefact assemblages from Pouerua, Northland

Abstract

There has been widespread interest in the sources of lithic materials that were utilised for the manufacture of implements in prehistoric New Zealand. There has been little attempt, however, to explain why the ranges of sources represented in individual archaeological assemblages have been utilised. There are a number of problems which have arisen in this respect. Many assemblages recovered from New Zealand archaeological sites contain stone material which has been obtained from sources remote from the sites, even where apparently similar raw materials are available in closer proximity. Furthermore, most archaeological assemblages which have been studied contain apparently similar materials from more than one source. These problems are illustrated by reference to assemblages of lithic artefacts from Northland which have previously Seen studied, and a number of specific problems relating to the prehistoric utilisation of stone resources in this region identified. In order to provide a basis from which to develop explanatory propositions in relation to these problems, an analysis is carried out on some assemblages of lithic artefacts recently recovered from six archaeological sites located in the area surrounding the Pouerua volcanic cone, in the inland Bay of Islands district. First, an attempt is made to reconstruct the prehistoric geological environment in the vicinity of the archaeological sites. The lithic materials represented in the assemblages are then identified, and the sources of these materials are discussed. The functions of the artefacts are then considered, and differences between the technological potential and limitations of the materials which have been utilised are outlined. Inter- and intra- assemblage variability in lithic raw material utilisation is then discussed. A number of propositions, based on the results of this analysis, are advanced to explain the patterns of raw material utilisation in the Pouerua assemblages, and in the Northland region in general. Suggestions are made as to possible ways in which independent data might be used to test these propositions. Finally, some of the wider implications of this research are considered.