Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Journal of the Nelson and Marlborough Historical Societies, Volume 1, Issue 2, November 1982

Book Review

Book Review

Barrv Brailsford: The Tattooed Land. (Reed. Wellington. 19811

Here at last is a book on New Zealand archaeology that Is eminently readable, presents a clearly organised and well researched text, is well illustrated and undoubtedly a must on the reading list of anyone with an interest in this field.

The author has been the driving force behind the Southern Earthworks Project of Canterbury Training College and this book is very much the product of this programme in that it primarily describes prehistoric (pa, pits, terraces, etc.) in the different areas of the South Island. At the same time, however, it gives the reader an understanding of the prehistoric life style of the Maoris. There are introductory chapters dealing with the origins and pre-history of the Maori, also the use of traditions as historical records. Barry Brailsford has drawn on recorded tradition, archaeological reports and the observations of early Europeans.

A substantial part of this book deals with the Marlborough Sounds, Wakatu and the Golden Bay. The earthworks described are by no means comprehensive but the range of this type of site in our area is covered. The author has made much use of the historical accounts and the pictorial records particularly of Cook, D'Urville and J. W. Barnicoat.

While archaeologists can always quibble about another's archaeological reconstruction, methodology and terminology, and while inconsistencies do exist in this publication, the purpose of the Tattooed Land is to bring prehistory to the public, and to this end Barry Brailsford has succoded where many others have faltered or failed.

Although it retails at a price of S39.95 The Tattooed Land is not only good reading but a useful referenece tool for anyone interested in our part of New Zealand. – Steven Bagley.