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Kawatiri, Westport - Day 5

22 February 2008

Today's work had two main objectives - in the northern excavation areas the objective was to continue working through the Layer 2 soils in order to reveal any possible features, and in the southern excavation areas the aim of the work was to better define the interface between Layer 1 and Layer 2.

Jean, Lisa and Simon recording features in Layer 2. Photo: Otago University

During the day, the excavation in the northern areas began to reveal features. Further excavation around the flaking floor (mentioned in previous updates) revealed a well defined edge. This suggests that the flaking may well have taken place outside the edges of a structure. Perhaps this structure was occupied by an adze-making expert within this 14th century Kawatiri community.

Several cobble clusters were found today in the northern excavation areas. In earlier excavations we have noted that cobbles seem to be clustered around activity areas (flaking floors and cooking areas in particular). We will be watching the distribution of these cobble areas over the next few days of excavations.

Andy and Jimmy recording features (also in layer 2). Photo: Otago University

The workers in the southern excavation areas are still excavating through Layer 1. Progress here is slow because it is so difficult to define the interface between layers.

In all areas of the site a diverse range of artefacts are continuing to be excavated including a large amount of nephrite fragments.

A new 2 x 2 m excavation area has been opened in the far south of the site. This was done to recover a sample of fauna material in an area known to contain moa ovens and faunal remains.

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