IJ
- Dec 29, 2017

101: Yet another interesting artifact

If you have been following us for a while you will remember some interesting artifacts found in the Nelson and Marlborough areas at the top of the South Island of NZ. Here's another but this time with a Taranaki link.

At one time, on the alluvial plain-lands bordering the lower course of the Waimea River in Tasman Bay near Richmond, there was abundant evidence of former extensive Maori plantations - close to 600 hectares (or 1300 acres). The fact that hundreds of adzes, chisels, and other implements have been picked up on the site of the main pa of this area seems to point to a large population in past days.

One object found, (and it is not well known to many), is remarkable in many ways. It is made of black serpentine, and has been carefully shaped with a finish peculiarly pitted in appearance, though the outer surface everywhere is polished as if by long usage. The top flattened surface shows considerable wear, leading one to regard it as a spade tread. Yet the end which would touch the shaft is convex, which would make it difficult to fix. If such were its use, one would expect that a projecting piece at right angles with the tread would have been left to fit the spade shaft rather than such a comparatively short head.

From the photographs it will be seen that the piece, whatever may have been its use, is skilfully and artistically shaped. The flat top-side tapers towards the pointed end, varying in width from 5 cm. to 2.5 cm. The body in section shows squared sides to a depth of 2 cm., below which it is bevelled to a rounded keel, which gradually tapers in width from the head to the point. The knob, viewed from the under-side, is shaped like a face, measuring about 6 cm. in length by 4 cm. in breadth. It is slightly rounded on the top and lessens in width to the lower part or chin which is finished in a deeper curve. A simian expression is very noticeable, though no facial features are indicated beyond the middle portion standing in slight relief. At the smaller end, the top sides have been carried to a converging point, somewhat beak-like in appearance, on the sides of which eyes are suggested by circular depressions round slightly raised centres.

The flattened top and edges are the only places showing definite signs of wear. When the object is held with the smaller end pointing to the right, a slightly bevelled edge is noticeable extending from about the middle for a distance of about 6 cms. to the right. Round the head-shaped knob has been worked a bevelled depression of a depth sufficient to allow a tying-cord to be affixed. The piece weighs 1 pound 8 ounces.

The face-like projection and general shape somewhat resemble the pendant found at Waitotara. Below is a photo of the object from Waitotara, Taranaki. They are the only two examples found in NZ...