Hard Evidence for Mobility: Lithics and Movement in New Zealand

Abstract

Archaeological studies have frequently focused on villages and structures as diagnostic elements in the examination of socio-political structure and human movement or mobility. While these studies have provided some insights, their limited scope often fails to suitably encompass variation within socio-political systems. Presented here is an alternative approach to the analysis of socio-political structure, and settlement pattern in particular. This alternative approach eschews the use of structures as a diagnostic element. Instead, this approach places emphasis lithic assemblages as a more direct indicator of socio-political variability. Implemented here are a technological study, and application of both the cortex ratio of Dibble et al. (2005) and the volume ratio of Phillipps and Holdaway (2016). These have been applied to three chert assemblages, Houhora, Tauroa, and Te Mataku, all from the northern region of New Zealand. The intent of this study is to test the applicability of homogenous models of socio-political organisation within New Zealand, particularly that of Walter, Smith and Jacomb (2006). Despite a number of limitations, results from this study suggest that lithic reduction and transportation within New Zealand displays little continuity between sites. The conclusion is that socio-political structure within New Zealand was varied, complex, and dynamic. Consequently, socio-political structure within New Zealand does not conform to a homogenous model. While further studies are necessary, this thesis does demonstrate the utility of newer methods of lithic analysis within the context of New Zealand.