Stone tools insight into history of Tiwai Point

Ancient stone tools dating back hundreds of years have been unearthed and are currently undergoing assessment and cataloging at Tūhura Otago Museum this weekend. The artifacts, including partially crafted tools, were discovered by the McFarlane family on the Tiwai peninsula in Southland in the late 1960s.

After being stored by the family for decades, these treasures have now been brought out for public viewing at the museum in Dunedin. Visitors are also encouraged to bring in their own artifacts for discussion with experts.

The McFarlane family’s collection is just a small part of the 11,000 tons of material being evaluated at the University of Otago from an excavation that took place in 1968. Research on the site suggests that around 600 years ago, the Tiwai Point settlement was primarily focused on the production of toki, or adze, a type of stone tool used for cutting and carving.

Gerard O’Regan, the Māori curator at the museum, emphasized the importance of preserving and understanding these treasures. He mentioned that there may be other individuals in possession of similar artifacts who are unsure of their historical or cultural significance.

The ongoing assessment of these archaeological finds not only contributes to our knowledge of the past but also ensures a comprehensive record of the region’s history. This weekend’s activities at the museum coincide with New Zealand Archaeology Week, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating our archaeological heritage.