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Nelson Historical Society Journal, Volume 3, Issue 4, September 1978

Discussion

Discussion

The exploitation of available food sources by the prehistoric Maori in Tasman Bay is shown to be wide ranging by the analysis of the faunal material at Rotokura. If we were to add the organic materials which do not survive (e.g. berries) the range is even more extensive. The fish species present are evidence of both shore and canoe fishing, with the possibility of nets and line fishing. The sea also yielded a wide range of shellfish. Though these have not been analysed, initial observations suggest that both rocky and sandy shore species are present in both periods. Trends relating to shellfish species cannot be discussed without further work on the material

The bird material, represented by forty species (if layers 6, 4 and 2 are taken together) also demonstrates a wide ranging exploitation. In addition to these there are three species of moa present. Several other extinct species are identified, including a duck and a page 14swan. While the birds were probably most abundant in the summer months, research has shown that some species would have provided excellent food in the winter. In the later period the maritime species appear to be the mainstay, with forest and wetland birds forming a supportive role. However, this may be a biased view, with some species being taken, cooked or eaten at other more specialized sites or in other areas of the site than those excavated.

Smith (n.d.:10) suggests that the butchering pattern of the sea lions in the early periods indicates the presence of a colony close to the site. He also notes (ibid.:11) that the fur seals were not butchered on the site and that it is likely to have been some distance from Rotokura. A possibility is the rocky north coast of Pepin Island.

The Polynesian dog also provided a food source at Rotokura. Layer 4 has a maximum minimum number of eight, while layer 2 has sixteen. The dogs range in age from five to six weeks to older than eighteen months. Ages are based on tooth eruption and bone growth. The dog bone at Rotokura is thought to result from the exploitation of the species for food and artefact manufacture. It is suggested that dogs at Rotokura could have provided a valuable food supply if seasonal food supplies were interrupted by unusual climatic occurences, or in periods of transition from one season to another.

The human bone from Rotokura was analysed by Dr P. Houghton, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Otago. Two adult persons are thought to be represented: one, a robust male about thirty years of age; the other, a female who appears to fall within the same parameters—Polynesian, aged about thirty years. The cranial material has been deliberately cut, presumably for the purpose of making artefacts. Millar (pers. comm., 1977) has suggested that the scattered appearance of the material during the excavation suggested the result of violent death. Dr Houghton was not able to confirm that the deaths of the individuals were the result of violence.