Difference between revisions of "Maritime Archaeology in New Zealand"
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| − | Maritime archaeology, the discipline which examines "human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of vessels, shore side facilities, cargoes, human remains and submerged landscapes" | + | Maritime archaeology, the discipline which examines "human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of vessels, shore side facilities, cargoes, human remains and submerged landscapes" <ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_archaeology</ref> is a relatively new field in New Zealand. The sea has played a vital role in the settlement and history of New Zealand, but until recent years, scientific studies of marine sites of both Maori and European origin have been largely neglected in favor of terrestrial sites due to a dearth of experienced marine archaeologists as well as a lack of concentration on and funding for underwater exploration and preservation <ref>O'Keeffe, Mary. http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_upload/culture/Underwater/unesco%20notes.doc<ref/>. |
'''Excavation and Salvage''' | '''Excavation and Salvage''' | ||
| − | Salvage has been conducted by private individuals and companies on some New Zealand marine sites, sometimes using archaeological techniques, as in the case of Bill Day's 1996 dive expedition on the wreck of an unidentified ship | + | Salvage has been conducted by private individuals and companies on some New Zealand marine sites, sometimes using archaeological techniques, as in the case of Bill Day's 1996 dive expedition on the wreck of an unidentified ship <ref>http://www.maanz.wellington.net.nz/projects/gengrant.html<ref/>. |
| − | According to the Marine Archaeological Association of New Zealand (MAANZ), the only submerged sites off the coasts of the country "that have had any sort of archaeological techniques applied to them" are the wrecks of ''Endeavour'', the HMS ''Buffalo'', ''L'Alcmene'', the whale boats from Lake Waikaremoana, ''Taupo'', ''Martha'', and a drowned Pa site in Lake Okataina in the Rotorua District | + | According to the Marine Archaeological Association of New Zealand (MAANZ), the only submerged sites off the coasts of the country "that have had any sort of archaeological techniques applied to them" are the wrecks of ''Endeavour'', the HMS ''Buffalo'', ''L'Alcmene'', the whale boats from Lake Waikaremoana, ''Taupo'', ''Martha'', and a drowned Pa site in Lake Okataina in the Rotorua District <ref>http://www.maanz.wellington.net.nz/maanz/mari.html<ref/>. |
'''Protection of Sites''' | '''Protection of Sites''' | ||
| − | Marine sites in New Zealand waters may gain protection under several acts of legislation; these include The Shipping and Seaman’s Act (1952), The Antiquities Act (1975), and The Historic Places Act (1980, modified 1993). Under the Historic Places Act, any vessel that sank before 1900 | + | Marine sites in New Zealand waters may gain protection under several acts of legislation; these include The Shipping and Seaman’s Act (1952), The Antiquities Act (1975), and The Historic Places Act (1980, modified 1993). Under the Historic Places Act, any vessel that sank before 1900 is protected by law. In order to "modify, damage or destroy an archaeological site," it is necessary to obtain the written permission of The New Zealand Historic Places Trust <ref>http://www.historic.org.nz/en/Publications/~/media/Corporate/Files/Brochures/Archaeology_shipwrecks.ashx<ref/>. Unfortunately, in many situations, private salvagers disregard the legislation and simply take what they find <ref>http://www.maanz.wellington.net.nz/projects/amipap.html<ref/>. |
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| − | [[Image:General_Grant_wreck.jpg]] ''General Grant'' strikes the cliffs | + | [[Image:General_Grant_wreck.jpg]] ''General Grant'' strikes the cliffs <ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/7/4/1<ref/> |
'''Shipwrecks''' | '''Shipwrecks''' | ||
| − | Shipwrecks are likely the type of marine site which has the strongest hold on the public imagination and which garners the most attention. Over 2,300 European ships have wrecked in the waters off New Zealand's coasts since the 1790s. Unknown numbers of Maori canoes have also been lost to the sea; the country's waters contain bountiful archaeological resources from which modern scientists can learn about the variety of cultures which shaped the modern nation. Indeed, dangerous waters and their human victims are a reoccuring theme in Maori legend | + | Shipwrecks are likely the type of marine site which has the strongest hold on the public imagination and which garners the most attention. Over 2,300 European ships have wrecked in the waters off New Zealand's coasts since the 1790s. Unknown numbers of Maori canoes have also been lost to the sea; the country's waters contain bountiful archaeological resources from which modern scientists can learn about the variety of cultures which shaped the modern nation. Indeed, dangerous waters and their human victims are a reoccuring theme in Maori legend <ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/1<ref/>. |
| − | Mainly due to boat construction methods, a general lack of knowledge about marine hazards offshore, and an almost complete lack of ship guidance devices like lighhouses, the 19th century saw the greatest loss of both ships and life. Some of the recorded European ships which sank or were grounded in the area during this time period include ''Endeavour'' (1795), the HMS ''Orpheus'' (1863), ''Fiery Star'' (1865), ''General Grant'' (1866), ''Tararua'' (1881), and ''Wairarapa'' (1894). Most of these vessels either crashed into cliffs or ran into shallow submerged coral reefs | + | Mainly due to boat construction methods, a general lack of knowledge about marine hazards offshore, and an almost complete lack of ship guidance devices like lighhouses, the 19th century saw the greatest loss of both ships and life. Some of the recorded European ships which sank or were grounded in the area during this time period include ''Endeavour'' (1795), the HMS ''Orpheus'' (1863), ''Fiery Star'' (1865), ''General Grant'' (1866), ''Tararua'' (1881), and ''Wairarapa'' (1894). Most of these vessels either crashed into cliffs or ran into shallow submerged coral reefs <ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/2<ref/>. |
| − | Only around 150 of the recorded shipwrecks have so far been located, and very few of these have been investigated by archaeologists. Ships that have been researched include ''Endeavour'', the HMS ''Buffalo'' (1840), ''L'Alcmene'' (1851), and ''Taupo'' (1881) | + | Only around 150 of the recorded shipwrecks have so far been located, and very few of these have been investigated by archaeologists. Ships that have been researched include ''Endeavour'', the HMS ''Buffalo'' (1840), ''L'Alcmene'' (1851), and ''Taupo'' (1881) <ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/7<ref/>. |
'''Fishing and Whaling Sites''' | '''Fishing and Whaling Sites''' | ||
| − | For as long as humans have inhabited New Zealand, the ocean has provided valuable resources to society. Archaeological sites which it is possible to locate and investigate include traditional low Maori dams built for use in conjunction with ''hīnaki'' (fish traps), whose function was to divert fish into the traps | + | For as long as humans have inhabited New Zealand, the ocean has provided valuable resources to society. Archaeological sites which it is possible to locate and investigate include traditional low Maori dams built for use in conjunction with ''hīnaki'' (fish traps), whose function was to divert fish into the traps <ref>http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/he-reo-komanawa/documents/.../H_01_fishing.doc<ref/> and shoreline whaling sites, like the [[Waikouaiti Whaling Station]], and whale processing factories. 87 have been located definitively in the country thus far; 25 other sites are possibly also related to the whaling industry. From c. 1830-1840, whaling was New Zealand's primary commercial industry. The main prey taken was the right whale; after its decline due to overhunting, humpbacks and sperm whales increased in relative importance. Traditional Maori methods of whale hunting were used into the 20th century on the East Coast and in the Bay of Plenty <ref>http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/conservation/historic/topics/archaelogy-nz-shore-whaling.pdf<ref/>. |
[[Image:Te_Awaite_whaling_station.jpg]] | [[Image:Te_Awaite_whaling_station.jpg]] | ||
| − | Te Awaite whaling station, c.1909 | + | Te Awaite whaling station, c.1909 <ref>http://www.odt.co.nz/files/story/2009/12/te_awaite_whaling_station_in_tory_channel_marlboro_1816760899.JPG<ref/> |
'''Drowned Sites''' | '''Drowned Sites''' | ||
| − | Changing sea levels or human modifications to the land and water may create "sunken sites" which were previously terrestrial but have now been submerged. Examples include a section "of the town of Cromwell, which was submerged by the creation of Lake Dunstan for hydro-electricity generation" | + | Changing sea levels or human modifications to the land and water may create "sunken sites" which were previously terrestrial but have now been submerged. Examples include a section "of the town of Cromwell, which was submerged by the creation of Lake Dunstan for hydro-electricity generation" <ref>http://www.historic.org.nz/en/Publications/~/media/Corporate/Files/Brochures/Archaeology_shipwrecks.ashx<ref/> and the drowned Pa site in Lake Okataina <ref>http://www.maanz.wellington.net.nz/maanz/mari.html<ref/>. |
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There are numerous museums throughout the country which serve to preserve and house artefacts as well as to educate the public about the role of the sea in prehistoric and historic New Zealand. These include the [[Butler Point Whaling Museum]], which focuses on the local whaling industry and associated artefacts, the [[Otago Settlers Museum ]], also with a focus on whaling and the [[Thornycroft Torpedo Boat Museum]], which displays a 19th century torpedo boat. As the sea was a major source of industry, resources, trade, and mythology, many other museums have collections which, while not maritime-specific, include a large number of artefacts and exhibits related to the sea; for example, the [[Tairawhiti Museum]] exhibits the wheelhouse from the ''Star of Canada'', wrecked in 1912. | There are numerous museums throughout the country which serve to preserve and house artefacts as well as to educate the public about the role of the sea in prehistoric and historic New Zealand. These include the [[Butler Point Whaling Museum]], which focuses on the local whaling industry and associated artefacts, the [[Otago Settlers Museum ]], also with a focus on whaling and the [[Thornycroft Torpedo Boat Museum]], which displays a 19th century torpedo boat. As the sea was a major source of industry, resources, trade, and mythology, many other museums have collections which, while not maritime-specific, include a large number of artefacts and exhibits related to the sea; for example, the [[Tairawhiti Museum]] exhibits the wheelhouse from the ''Star of Canada'', wrecked in 1912. | ||
| − | At The Museum of Wellington City and Sea, visitors have the opportunity to explore the rich maritime history of the capital city. Exhibits focus on New Zealand fisheries, the history of Wellington, ship wrecks, and shipping, while changing exhibitions expose the public to a variety of other sea-related topics. Other exciting and educational opportunities include dramatized Maori legends relating to the sea (enhanced with special effects) and information on the [[Plimmers Ark]] conservation project | + | At The Museum of Wellington City and Sea, visitors have the opportunity to explore the rich maritime history of the capital city. Exhibits focus on New Zealand fisheries, the history of Wellington, ship wrecks, and shipping, while changing exhibitions expose the public to a variety of other sea-related topics. Other exciting and educational opportunities include dramatized Maori legends relating to the sea (enhanced with special effects) and information on the [[Plimmers Ark]] conservation project <ref>http://www.museumofwellington.co.nz/activities/permanent_exhibitions.shtml<ref/>. See the Museum of Wellington City and Sea [http://www.museumofwellington.co.nz/index.shtml website] for schedules and information on changing exhibitions. |
| − | Voyager, the New Zealand Maritime Museum, located in downtown Auckland, seeks to educate the public about New Zealand's marine history. Highlights include viewings of "Te Waka: Our Great Journey," a film about the first great voyage to and settlement of Aotearoa (New Zealand in the Maori language) as well as changing exhibits on Maori canoes and sailing techniques, the journeys of European immigrants, modern yachting, and many other sea-related ventures | + | Voyager, the New Zealand Maritime Museum, located in downtown Auckland, seeks to educate the public about New Zealand's marine history. Highlights include viewings of "Te Waka: Our Great Journey," a film about the first great voyage to and settlement of Aotearoa (New Zealand in the Maori language) as well as changing exhibits on Maori canoes and sailing techniques, the journeys of European immigrants, modern yachting, and many other sea-related ventures <ref>http://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/afawcs0138401/tn-home.html<ref/>. For more information, visit the [http://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/afawcs0138401/tn-home.html museum website]. |
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[1][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_archaeology Wikipedia, Maritime Archaeology] | [1][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_archaeology Wikipedia, Maritime Archaeology] | ||
| − | [2]O'Keeffe, Mary. | + | [2]O'Keeffe, Mary. http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_upload/culture/Underwater/unesco%20notes.doc New Zealand's Maritime Archaeological Heritage unesco notes] |
[3][http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/1 Shipwrecks] | [3][http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/1 Shipwrecks] | ||
[4][http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/2 19th Century Shipwrecks] | [4][http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/2 19th Century Shipwrecks] | ||
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[14][http://www.historic.org.nz/en/Publications/~/media/Corporate/Files/Brochures/Archaeology_shipwrecks.ashx New Zealand Historic Places Trust] | [14][http://www.historic.org.nz/en/Publications/~/media/Corporate/Files/Brochures/Archaeology_shipwrecks.ashx New Zealand Historic Places Trust] | ||
[15][http://www.museumofwellington.co.nz/activities/permanent_exhibitions.shtml Museum of Wellington City and Sea permanent exhibitions] | [15][http://www.museumofwellington.co.nz/activities/permanent_exhibitions.shtml Museum of Wellington City and Sea permanent exhibitions] | ||
| + | |||
| + | References | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
| + | |||
[[Category:Maritime]][[Category:Artefacts]][[Category:Museum]] | [[Category:Maritime]][[Category:Artefacts]][[Category:Museum]] | ||
Revision as of 23:13, 23 February 2010
A Developing Discipline
Maritime archaeology, the discipline which examines "human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of vessels, shore side facilities, cargoes, human remains and submerged landscapes" [1] is a relatively new field in New Zealand. The sea has played a vital role in the settlement and history of New Zealand, but until recent years, scientific studies of marine sites of both Maori and European origin have been largely neglected in favor of terrestrial sites due to a dearth of experienced marine archaeologists as well as a lack of concentration on and funding for underwater exploration and preservation <ref>O'Keeffe, Mary. http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_upload/culture/Underwater/unesco%20notes.docCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
Excavation and Salvage
Salvage has been conducted by private individuals and companies on some New Zealand marine sites, sometimes using archaeological techniques, as in the case of Bill Day's 1996 dive expedition on the wreck of an unidentified ship <ref>http://www.maanz.wellington.net.nz/projects/gengrant.htmlCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
According to the Marine Archaeological Association of New Zealand (MAANZ), the only submerged sites off the coasts of the country "that have had any sort of archaeological techniques applied to them" are the wrecks of Endeavour, the HMS Buffalo, L'Alcmene, the whale boats from Lake Waikaremoana, Taupo, Martha, and a drowned Pa site in Lake Okataina in the Rotorua District <ref>http://www.maanz.wellington.net.nz/maanz/mari.htmlCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
Protection of Sites
Marine sites in New Zealand waters may gain protection under several acts of legislation; these include The Shipping and Seaman’s Act (1952), The Antiquities Act (1975), and The Historic Places Act (1980, modified 1993). Under the Historic Places Act, any vessel that sank before 1900 is protected by law. In order to "modify, damage or destroy an archaeological site," it is necessary to obtain the written permission of The New Zealand Historic Places Trust <ref>http://www.historic.org.nz/en/Publications/~/media/Corporate/Files/Brochures/Archaeology_shipwrecks.ashxCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name. Unfortunately, in many situations, private salvagers disregard the legislation and simply take what they find <ref>http://www.maanz.wellington.net.nz/projects/amipap.htmlCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
Maritime Sites
General Grant strikes the cliffs <ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/7/4/1Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Shipwrecks
Shipwrecks are likely the type of marine site which has the strongest hold on the public imagination and which garners the most attention. Over 2,300 European ships have wrecked in the waters off New Zealand's coasts since the 1790s. Unknown numbers of Maori canoes have also been lost to the sea; the country's waters contain bountiful archaeological resources from which modern scientists can learn about the variety of cultures which shaped the modern nation. Indeed, dangerous waters and their human victims are a reoccuring theme in Maori legend <ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/1Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
Mainly due to boat construction methods, a general lack of knowledge about marine hazards offshore, and an almost complete lack of ship guidance devices like lighhouses, the 19th century saw the greatest loss of both ships and life. Some of the recorded European ships which sank or were grounded in the area during this time period include Endeavour (1795), the HMS Orpheus (1863), Fiery Star (1865), General Grant (1866), Tararua (1881), and Wairarapa (1894). Most of these vessels either crashed into cliffs or ran into shallow submerged coral reefs <ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/2Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
Only around 150 of the recorded shipwrecks have so far been located, and very few of these have been investigated by archaeologists. Ships that have been researched include Endeavour, the HMS Buffalo (1840), L'Alcmene (1851), and Taupo (1881) <ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/7Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
Fishing and Whaling Sites
For as long as humans have inhabited New Zealand, the ocean has provided valuable resources to society. Archaeological sites which it is possible to locate and investigate include traditional low Maori dams built for use in conjunction with hīnaki (fish traps), whose function was to divert fish into the traps <ref>http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/he-reo-komanawa/documents/.../H_01_fishing.docCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name and shoreline whaling sites, like the Waikouaiti Whaling Station, and whale processing factories. 87 have been located definitively in the country thus far; 25 other sites are possibly also related to the whaling industry. From c. 1830-1840, whaling was New Zealand's primary commercial industry. The main prey taken was the right whale; after its decline due to overhunting, humpbacks and sperm whales increased in relative importance. Traditional Maori methods of whale hunting were used into the 20th century on the East Coast and in the Bay of Plenty <ref>http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/conservation/historic/topics/archaelogy-nz-shore-whaling.pdfCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
Te Awaite whaling station, c.1909 <ref>http://www.odt.co.nz/files/story/2009/12/te_awaite_whaling_station_in_tory_channel_marlboro_1816760899.JPGCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Drowned Sites
Changing sea levels or human modifications to the land and water may create "sunken sites" which were previously terrestrial but have now been submerged. Examples include a section "of the town of Cromwell, which was submerged by the creation of Lake Dunstan for hydro-electricity generation" <ref>http://www.historic.org.nz/en/Publications/~/media/Corporate/Files/Brochures/Archaeology_shipwrecks.ashxCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name and the drowned Pa site in Lake Okataina <ref>http://www.maanz.wellington.net.nz/maanz/mari.htmlCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name.
Marine Preservation and Conservation
There are numerous museums throughout the country which serve to preserve and house artefacts as well as to educate the public about the role of the sea in prehistoric and historic New Zealand. These include the Butler Point Whaling Museum, which focuses on the local whaling industry and associated artefacts, the Otago Settlers Museum , also with a focus on whaling and the Thornycroft Torpedo Boat Museum, which displays a 19th century torpedo boat. As the sea was a major source of industry, resources, trade, and mythology, many other museums have collections which, while not maritime-specific, include a large number of artefacts and exhibits related to the sea; for example, the Tairawhiti Museum exhibits the wheelhouse from the Star of Canada, wrecked in 1912.
At The Museum of Wellington City and Sea, visitors have the opportunity to explore the rich maritime history of the capital city. Exhibits focus on New Zealand fisheries, the history of Wellington, ship wrecks, and shipping, while changing exhibitions expose the public to a variety of other sea-related topics. Other exciting and educational opportunities include dramatized Maori legends relating to the sea (enhanced with special effects) and information on the Plimmers Ark conservation project <ref>http://www.museumofwellington.co.nz/activities/permanent_exhibitions.shtmlCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name. See the Museum of Wellington City and Sea website for schedules and information on changing exhibitions.
Voyager, the New Zealand Maritime Museum, located in downtown Auckland, seeks to educate the public about New Zealand's marine history. Highlights include viewings of "Te Waka: Our Great Journey," a film about the first great voyage to and settlement of Aotearoa (New Zealand in the Maori language) as well as changing exhibits on Maori canoes and sailing techniques, the journeys of European immigrants, modern yachting, and many other sea-related ventures <ref>http://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/afawcs0138401/tn-home.htmlCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name. For more information, visit the museum website.
External Links
Maritime Archaeological Association of New Zealand (MAANZ)home page
Trade a Boat: Features, Shipwreck Explorer, article on preservationist Noel Hilliam's contributions to the Dargaville Maritime Museum
New Zealand's Maritime Archaeological Heritage unesco notes by Mary O'Keeffe, 2003
Maritime Archaeology general overview from Wikipedia
TeAra.govt.nz, The Encyclopedia of New Zealand: shipwrecks
New Zealand Historic Places Trust: Shipwrecks and Underwater Archaeological Sites
Footnotes
[1]Wikipedia, Maritime Archaeology [2]O'Keeffe, Mary. http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_upload/culture/Underwater/unesco%20notes.doc New Zealand's Maritime Archaeological Heritage unesco notes] [3]Shipwrecks [4]19th Century Shipwrecks [5]The Wreck of the General Grant [6]Underwater history [7]Maori fishing [8]The Archaeology of New Zealand Shore Whaling [9]The Wreck of the General Grant [10]Maritime Archaeology [11]MAANZ bulletin [12]Voyager: New Zealand Maritime Museum [13]Te Awaite whaling station [14]New Zealand Historic Places Trust [15]Museum of Wellington City and Sea permanent exhibitions
References
