Ways of believing and behaving : understanding evidence for early Maori-European contact through archaeology and history : a case study at site Z17/16, Waihau Beach, East Coast

Abstract

This research is 8n attempt to reconsider the early post-contact period of Maori· European interaction through history and archaeology. Generally, this period of New Zealand history has been studied by historians. with archaeological research only contributing a limited amount. In the past. the period of early contact was regarded as a time of major change, and particularly for indigenous culture. A recurring assumption has been that indigenous culture disintegrated all contact with European society. However, recent studies have indicated that this is not necessarily the case. The goal of this study was to utilize historical and material manifestations of this period of early contact in New Zealand, using a specific case study pa site, Z17116, at Waihau Beach on the East Coast of New Zealand, in an attempt to discern patterns of early Maori-European contact, and the kinds of interactions and changes that resulted. The historical and archaeological evidence indicated that Maori and European societies on the East Coast were interacting in a number of contexts, with contact being initiated by both parties. While change was evident i.n the archaeological and historical records, older forms persisted, suggesting that contact was not to have a 'fatal impact' upon Maori society. instead, I argue for some change, but that this change occurred within a Maori frame of reference. which meant that Maori society was able to appropriate and adapt European beliefs, behaviours, and material Culture, without experiencing cultural disintegration. The overall conclusion is that early contact with Europeans allowed Maori to appropriate European things, creating an extension to extant society.