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Kawatiri, Westport - Day 3 Understanding stratigraphy

20 February 2008

Today's main objective was to finetune our understanding of the stratigraphy in the areas which were opened yesterday. In particular, we need to develop a clear understanding of the distinction between Layer 1 and Layer 2.

This is important because Layer 2 represents the surface of the 14th century village and we needed to be able to remove the upper soils to reveal this layer intact.

The most difficult area in which to identify the interface between Layer 1 and Layer 2 was in the northern excavation areas where the soils of Layer 1 and Layer 2 were very similar in matrix colour and texture. To make matters more difficult, many of the smaller artefacts had migrated upward in the soil column and were actually found low in the Layer 1 level, which was supposed to be a sterile soil.

The stratigraphy of the southern excavation areas was much clearer. This was because of the presence of ovens and cooking areas in Layer 2 which, although not fully exposed today, had spread enough charcoal through the soils to define a clear interface between the two layers.

Argillite adze (left) and obsidian flake tool Photo: Otago University

Numerous artefacts and possible features were found today within both the northern and southern excavation areas. An adze made of Nelson argillite was found in one of the southern excavation areas along with two large obsidian flakes, a chalcedony flake and a number of fragments of nephrite. Two of the northern areas also contained a high concentration of stone material, mostly in the form of small stone flakes which suggests that we are excavating stone tool working areas. It is hoped that further research at this site during the coming weeks will aid in the understanding of the use and manufacture of stone tools during this part of New Zealand's history.

Any archaeological site records interactions between its inhabitants and its surrounding environment. Archaeologists need to be aware of changing environmental conditions such as fluctuating sea levels. The Kawatiri site was originally located next to the Tasman sea but due to the accumulation of sand at the mouth of the Kawatiri River the site is now located approximately 1 km from the sea. The soil at the site is covered in flood-deposited river silts.

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For questions about the Kawatiri excavation, contact archaeology@historic.org.nz