An Archaeomagnetic Study of Hangi Stones in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rimpy Kinger
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Blocking Temperature ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
The North ◽  
Sw Pacific ◽  
Archaeomagnetic Dating ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Temperature Spectra

<p>Burnt or fired archaeological artefacts often retain a record of the magnetic field in which they were last heated and cooled. Over the past four years we have collected oriented hangi stones from 10 archaeological sites spread across the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The stones vary in lithology from andesites, originating from the central North Island volcanoes, favoured by Maori for their durability and with remanent magnetization up to 30 A/m, to sandstones and schists from the main axial ranges, with magnetizations as weak as 10-4 A/m. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal fragments retrieved from amongst the stones indicates that the sites span from ca. 1400 AD to the present.  In all cases, we have independently oriented and retrieved several stones, and we have made several samples from each stone, either by drilling (standard cylindrical samples) or sawing (pseudo-cubes) in the laboratory. We have calculated site mean palaeomagnetic directions (Dec between 1.5o and 19.6o and Inc between -52.2o and -68.3o) from principal component analysis of thermal demagnetization and alternating field demagnetization data, discarding the data of stones that show evidence of disturbance after cooling. The directions are in good agreement with recently published palaeosecular variation records from lake sediments. We have carried out palaeointensity experiments using the Coe/Thellier method with pTRM and tail checks, and with selection criteria modified to the situation. Palaeointensities range from 50μT to 77μT. Rock magnetic experiments contribute to our understanding of the mineralogy, domain state and blocking temperature spectra.  We compare our data with predictions of the global field models ARCH3k and gufm1, and suggest that the addition of our new data will improve these models for the SW Pacific region for the most recent time period. Archaeomagnetic measurements are also used to date hangi sites by matching the palaeo-direction to an established archaeomagnetic dating model, NZPSV1k. Archaeomagnetic dating is used to resolve ambiguities in the calibration of radiocarbon dates, and shows up inconsistencies due to unreliable source material for radiocarbon dating. Archaeomagnetic dating and radiocarbon dating results are combined to give the best estimates of the best age of the hangi sites.</p>

An Archaeomagnetic Study of Hangi Stones in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rimpy Kinger
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Blocking Temperature ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
The North ◽  
Sw Pacific ◽  
Archaeomagnetic Dating ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Temperature Spectra

<p>Burnt or fired archaeological artefacts often retain a record of the magnetic field in which they were last heated and cooled. Over the past four years we have collected oriented hangi stones from 10 archaeological sites spread across the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The stones vary in lithology from andesites, originating from the central North Island volcanoes, favoured by Maori for their durability and with remanent magnetization up to 30 A/m, to sandstones and schists from the main axial ranges, with magnetizations as weak as 10-4 A/m. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal fragments retrieved from amongst the stones indicates that the sites span from ca. 1400 AD to the present.  In all cases, we have independently oriented and retrieved several stones, and we have made several samples from each stone, either by drilling (standard cylindrical samples) or sawing (pseudo-cubes) in the laboratory. We have calculated site mean palaeomagnetic directions (Dec between 1.5o and 19.6o and Inc between -52.2o and -68.3o) from principal component analysis of thermal demagnetization and alternating field demagnetization data, discarding the data of stones that show evidence of disturbance after cooling. The directions are in good agreement with recently published palaeosecular variation records from lake sediments. We have carried out palaeointensity experiments using the Coe/Thellier method with pTRM and tail checks, and with selection criteria modified to the situation. Palaeointensities range from 50μT to 77μT. Rock magnetic experiments contribute to our understanding of the mineralogy, domain state and blocking temperature spectra.  We compare our data with predictions of the global field models ARCH3k and gufm1, and suggest that the addition of our new data will improve these models for the SW Pacific region for the most recent time period. Archaeomagnetic measurements are also used to date hangi sites by matching the palaeo-direction to an established archaeomagnetic dating model, NZPSV1k. Archaeomagnetic dating is used to resolve ambiguities in the calibration of radiocarbon dates, and shows up inconsistencies due to unreliable source material for radiocarbon dating. Archaeomagnetic dating and radiocarbon dating results are combined to give the best estimates of the best age of the hangi sites.</p>

scholarly journals University of Waikato Radiocarbon Dates I

Radiocarbon ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan G Hogg ◽  
David J Lowe ◽  
Chris H Hendy
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Late Quaternary ◽  
Scintillation Counting ◽  
University Staff ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
The North ◽  
National University ◽  
Vacuum Systems

The radiocarbon dating laboratory at Waikato was established in 1975, primarily as a research tool in the fields of geomorphology, volcanology, tephrostratigraphy, coastal studies, and paleolimnology, to cope with the increasing supply of late Quaternary lake sediment, wood, peat, and shell samples submitted by University staff and postgraduate students undertaking research in the North Island of New Zealand. The method employed is scintillation counting of benzene using the procedures and vacuum systems designed by H A Polach for the Australian National University (ANU) Radiocarbon Dating Research Laboratory (Hogg, 1982). This date list reports on samples submitted by University of Waikato researchers and assayed in the Waikato laboratory mainly between 1979 and 1985. Other dates on material submitted by individuals working in other organizations in New Zealand, and overseas, are to be reported later.

scholarly journals THREE GENERATIONS UNDER ONE ROOF? BAYESIAN MODELING OF RADIOCARBON DATA FROM NUNALLEQ, YUKON-KUSKOKWIM DELTA, ALASKA

2018 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Ledger ◽  
Véronique Forbes ◽  
Edouard Masson-Maclean ◽  
Charlotta Hillerdal ◽  
W. Derek Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Bayesian Modeling ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Three Generations ◽  
The North ◽  
North American Arctic ◽  
Radiocarbon Data ◽  
Bayesian Statistical Modeling

This article presents the results of a program of radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modeling from the precontact Yup'ik site of Nunalleq (GDN-248) in subarctic southwestern Alaska. Nunalleq is deeply stratified, presenting a robust relative chronological framework of well-defined individual house floors abundant in ecofacts suitable for radiocarbon dating. Capitalizing on this potential, we present the results of one of the first applications of Bayesian statistical modeling of radiocarbon data from an archaeological site in the North American Arctic. Using these methods, we demonstrate that it is possible to generate robust, high-resolution chronological models from Arctic archaeology. Radiocarbon dates, procured prior to the program of dating and modeling presented here, suggested an approximately three-century duration of occupation at the site. The results of Bayesian modeling nuance this interpretation. While it is possible that there may have been activity for almost three centuries (beginning in the late fourteenth century), occupation of the dwelling complex, which dominates the site, was more likely to have endured for no more than a century. The results presented here suggest that the occupation of Nunalleq likely encompassed three generations beginning cal AD 1570–1630 before being curtailed by conflict around cal AD 1645–1675.

scholarly journals Trial excavation of a terrace-edge enclosure at North Mains, Strathallan, Perthshire

1991 ◽  
Vol 120 ◽  
pp. 45-53
Author(s):  
Gordon J Barclay ◽  
Myra Tolan-Smith ◽  
Coralie Mills ◽  
J Barber
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Outer Edge ◽  
Early Bronze Age ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
The North ◽  
First Millennium ◽  
First Millennium Bc

A small part of the terrace edge enclosure at North Mains was excavated to test the hypothesis that it was contemporary with one or other of the Neolithic/Early Bronze Age ceremonial monuments immediately to the north. Two cropmark ditches and an entrance through them were confirmed by excavation. The inner ditch was very steep sided; postholes were found on the inner edge of both ditches. Possible postholes were also noted on the outer edge of the outer ditch. Traces of a number of structures were located in the interior, including what may be the slight wall-trench of a circular house. The results of radiocarbon dating may suggest that the ditch was dug in the second millennium bc, while at least one of the structures in the interior was in use in the late first millennium bc. A comment on the radiocarbon dates is provided by John Barber (50--1). An appendix gives details of the `Identification of charcoal from North Mains' by Coralie Mills (52--3). Au

Taxonomy and biogeography of the Pleistocene New Zealand sea lionNeophoca palatina(Carnivora: Otariidae)

2016 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan Churchill ◽  
Robert W. Boessenecker
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Sea Lions ◽  
The North ◽  
Fur Seals ◽  
Phylogenetic Affinities ◽  
Mammal Faunas

AbstractThe Otariidae (fur seals and sea lions) are an important and highly visible component of Southern Hemisphere marine mammal faunas. However, fossil material of Southern Hemisphere otariids is comparatively rare and often fragmentary. One exception is the Pleistocene sea lionNeophoca palatinaKing, 1983a, which is known from a nearly complete skull from the North Island of New Zealand. However, the phylogenetic affinities of this taxon are poorly known, and comparisons with other taxa have been limited. We provide an extensive redescription ofNeophoca palatinaand diagnose this taxon using a morphometric approach. Twenty measurements of the skull were collected forN. palatina, as well as for all extant Australasian otariids and several fossilNeophoca cinereaPerón, 1816. Using principal component analysis, we were able to segregate taxa by genus, andN. palatinawas found to cluster withNeophocaaccording to overall size of the skull as well as increased width of the intertemporal constriction and interorbital region.N. palatinacan be distinguished from all other Australasian otariids by its unusually broad basisphenoid. Discriminant function analysis supported referral ofNeophoca palatinatoNeophocawith very high posterior probability. These results confirm the treatment ofNeophoca palatinaas a distinct species ofNeophocaand highlight the former broad distribution and greater tolerance for colder temperatures of this genus. These results also suggest that New Zealand may have played a pivotal role in the diversification of Southern Hemisphere otariid seals.

A review of the moss bug genus Xenophyes (Hemiptera: Coleorrhyncha: Peloridiidae) from New Zealand: systematics and biogeography

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2923 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIEL BURCKHARDT ◽  
ESTÉE BOCHUD ◽  
JAKOB DAMGAARD ◽  
GEORGE W. GIBBS ◽  
VIKTOR HARTUNG ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Canonical Variate ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
The North ◽  
Variate Analysis ◽  
Width Measurements ◽  
North And South ◽  
Important Structure

The moss bug genus Xenophyes from New Zealand is revised. Six species are recognised, four of which are described as new: X. adelphus, X. goniomus, X. metoponcus, and X. rhachilophus. The synonymy of Xenophyes forsteri with X. cascus is confirmed. Illustrated descriptions and identification keys are provided for the adult and the last instar. The male aedeagus is recognised as the most important structure to diagnose species. Other useful morphological characters include body shape, head, pronotum, and tegmina expressed as length and width measurements. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows that five species are well separated from each other, but X. goniomus greatly overlaps with X. cascus, X. kinlochensis, and X. rhachilophus. There is also broad morphometric overlap between North Island and South Island specimens of X. cascus, confirming their conspecificity. Results from a Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) determined which morphometric characters are most suitable for use in keys and descriptions. X. cascus is the only species occurring on both the North and South Islands. Other species are restricted to the South Island.

Late Wisconsinan Vegetation and Environment of the Tunica Hills Region, Louisiana/Mississippi

1994 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen T. Jackson ◽  
Charles R. Givens
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Juglans Nigra ◽  
Mississippi Valley ◽  
Fluvial Sediments ◽  
Minor Components ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
The North ◽  
New Information ◽  
Late Wisconsinan

AbstractPollen, plant macrofossil, and radiocarbon-dating studies of seven exposures of fluvial sediments in the Tunica Hills region of southeastern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi provide new information on late Wisconsinan vegetation, flora, and environment of the region. The assemblages date between 25,250 and 17,530 yr B.P. Pollen and macrofossil assemblages are dominated by Picea, which comprises 40-70% of the pollen assemblages. Abies and Larix pollen and macrofossils are absent, in contrast to sites to the north in the central Mississippi Valley. Deciduous hardwoods (Quercus, Fagus, Fraxinus, Carya, Juglans nigra, Acer, Ulmus) are minor components of both pollen and macrofossil assemblages. Radiocarbon dates of Picea and Quercus wood indicate that these two genera grew contemporaneously in the region. Regional upland forests were dominated by Picea. Picea cones and cone fragments are not typical of any extant North American species, and probably represent either an extinct species or an extinct variety or subspecies of Picea glauca. Late Wisconsinan climate of the region was cooler than present, but not necessarily as cool as implied by P. glauca or other "boreal" taxa.

The Excavation of Duddo Stone Circle, Northumberland

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 321-353
Author(s):  
Benjamin Edwards ◽  
Roger Miket ◽  
Rosie Bishop
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Bronze Age ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Early Bronze Age ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Archaeobotanical Remains

This paper reports on the 2008 excavations at Duddo Stone Circle, Northumberland; the first excavation of a stone circle in the north-east of England under modern conditions. The project was successful in radiocarbon dating archaeobotanical material that suggests a date for construction at the beginning of the Early Bronze Age, and cremated human bone that dates its potential re-use for burial to around 1700 calbc. This report provides a stratigraphic account of the results of the excavation and specialist reports on the archaeobotanical remains, the radiocarbon dates, and the finds recovered. The discussion considers Duddo in the context of other stone circles in the North-East and Borders, and more generally across the United Kingdom, concluding that heterogeneity is a regional trait in north-eastern England and southern Scotland, much as architectural or landscape affinities link similar monuments in other regions.

A Late Holocene Marine Terrace on the Kidnappers Coast, North Island, New Zealand: Some Implications for Shore Platform Development Processes and Uplift Mechanism

1987 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan G. Hull
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Tectonic Subsidence ◽  
Marine Terrace ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Shore Platform ◽  
Marine Deposits ◽  
The North ◽  
Uplift Rates ◽  
Age Range

AbstractA marine terrace up to 6 m above present mean sea level is preserved along 15 km of the Kidnappers coast, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand. Radiocarbon dates for 10 shell samples collected from intertidal marine deposits overlying an uplifted shore platform have a total age range of 590 yr (from 2280 ± 50 to 2750 ± 70 yr B.P.). Sample age decreases landward suggesting a small relative sea-level rise, probably as a result of tectonic subsidence prior to uplift. Rates of contemporary shore platform formation preclude the preservation of a marine terrace subjected to constant, aseismic uplift. Preservation of a subhorizontal uplifted shore platform mantled by intertidal marine deposits with in situ fauna is best explained by abrupt coseismic uplift 2300 yr B.P. and preceded by tectonic subsidence. The presence of a single marine terrace does not permit the calculation of past earthquake magnitude or recurrence, but the NNE tilt of the 2300-yr-old marine terrace indicates continued growth of the north-trending late Pleistocene Kidnappers Anticline.

A Medieval Burial from Graham Street, Leith, Edinburgh

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-169
Author(s):  
Paul R. J. Duffy ◽  
Olivia Lelong
Keyword(s):  
Contextual Information ◽  
Human Remains ◽  
Housing Development ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Archaeological Excavation ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Physical Evidence ◽  
Research Division ◽  
The North ◽  
The Individual

Summary An archaeological excavation was carried out at Graham Street, Leith, Edinburgh by Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) as part of the Historic Scotland Human Remains Call-off Contract following the discovery of human remains during machine excavation of a foundation trench for a new housing development. Excavation demonstrated that the burial was that of a young adult male who had been interred in a supine position with his head orientated towards the north. Radiocarbon dates obtained from a right tibia suggest the individual died between the 15th and 17th centuries AD. Little contextual information exists in documentary or cartographic sources to supplement this scant physical evidence. Accordingly, it is difficult to further refine the context of burial, although a possible link with a historically attested siege or a plague cannot be discounted.

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