Key Takeaways
- The discovery of an ancient waka on the Chatham Islands is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in the Pacific.
- The waka is estimated to have arrived on the Chatham Islands between 1440 AD and 1470 AD, although it may be considerably older.
- The discovery has sparked questions of provenance and ownership, with several groups claiming an interest in the waka.
- The excavation and conservation of the waka are ongoing, with a final radiocarbon dating report due in early 2026.
- The discovery has the potential to change our understanding of Pacific history and the migration of people to the Chatham Islands.
Introduction to the Discovery
The discovery of an ancient waka on the Chatham Islands has sent shockwaves through the archaeological community. The waka, which is estimated to have arrived on the islands between 1440 AD and 1470 AD, is considered one of the most significant finds in the Pacific. The discovery was made by 23-year-old Nikau Dix, who stumbled upon an odd-looking stick protruding from the sand while out for a walk. As he investigated further, he found a figurehead that had washed down the creek, which he knew was special. The discovery triggered a partial archaeological excavation, which uncovered between 600 and 700 pieces of the waka.
The Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of the waka is significant not only because of its age but also because of the insights it provides into Pacific history. According to archaeologist Justin Maxwell, the waka dates back to the heyday of Pacific voyaging, a time when people were moving freely throughout the Pacific. The preservation of the waka is also extraordinary, with many of the artefacts found in near-perfect condition. Principal conservator Sara Gainsford has been tasked with caring for the collection, which includes pieces with obsidian inlays, shell decorations, and a distinctive checkered carving pattern.
Conservation and Preservation
The conservation and preservation of the waka are ongoing, with Gainsford working to stabilize and study the artefacts. The artefacts are currently being stored in water-filled containers near the site, where they are being monitored by local volunteers. The volunteers, who have been trained by Gainsford, are responsible for monitoring water quality and humidity levels to ensure the artefacts remain stable. According to volunteer Kate Preece, the experience of working with the waka is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and she is "blown away" to be entrusted with such important work.
Questions of Provenance and Ownership
The discovery of the waka has sparked questions of provenance and ownership, with several groups claiming an interest in the waka. The Moriori Imi Settlement Trust and the Hokotehi Moriori Trust have lodged a joint claim of ownership, believing the vessel may be the rangihoua – a sea-going waka long referenced in Moriori writings and oral histories. Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, the island’s iwi, are also invested in the waka’s origins and keen to know what it may reveal about their own history. The question of ownership is currently before the Māori Land Court, with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage working with all stakeholders to determine the waka’s future.
Delays and Frustrations
Despite the significance of the discovery, the excavation and conservation of the waka have been delayed due to bureaucratic red tape. The Crown is currently the temporary custodian of the taonga, but only a small fraction of the waka has been excavated. The remainder lies buried beneath meters of sand and sandbags to protect the sand from being washed away. According to Maui Solomon, barrister and former chairperson of the Moriori Imi Settlement Trust, the delay in recovering the rest of the vessel is becoming increasingly difficult to accept. A report prepared for the Ministry for Culture and Heritage in May underscored the urgency of recovering the remainder of the vessel, noting that the site is only one major storm event away from losing the waka.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The discovery of the ancient waka on the Chatham Islands is a significant find that has the potential to change our understanding of Pacific history and the migration of people to the islands. While the excavation and conservation of the waka are ongoing, the question of ownership remains unresolved. The final radiocarbon dating report, which is due in early 2026, will provide further insights into the age and significance of the waka. As the stakeholders work to determine the waka’s future, it is clear that this discovery will have a lasting impact on our understanding of the Pacific and its people.