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IMAGE: A closeup from a section of the main pit. The joining, closed pipi shells in the centre (right of the 550mm tape increment) were radiocarbon dated to the period 1430-1460. view more
Credit: University of Otago
The discovery of ancient kumara pits just north of Dunedin dating back to the 15th century have shone a light on how scientific evidence can complement mātauranga Maori around how and where the taonga were stored hundreds of years ago.
A new study published in the science journal
PLOS ONE reports that early Polynesians once stored kumara - American sweet potato - in pits dug into sand dunes at Purākaunui, eastern Otago, less than 30km north of Dunedin. The pits were first discovered in 2001 and are found over 200km south of the currently accepted South Island limit of cooler-climate Māori kumara storage.
Waikato Uni science cuts will have profound impacts, renowned alumnus says
1 Apr, 2021 02:41 AM
8 minutes to read
Oxford University archaeological scientist Professor Tom Higham - pictured in this file photo in his old lab in Hamilton - has hit out at cuts just confirmed by Waikato University. Photo / Derek Flynn
Oxford University archaeological scientist Professor Tom Higham - pictured in this file photo in his old lab in Hamilton - has hit out at cuts just confirmed by Waikato University. Photo / Derek Flynn
A world-renowned Kiwi archaeological scientist has hit out at his old university over job cuts he says will have a profound impact on research around the globe.
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