Abstract
This thesis explores the use of six major sources of Southland argillite in New Zealand prehistory. The research investigated the use of the stone in terms of both extraction and manufacture technologies, but also its geographic distribution and the time periods it was in use. The sources were visited to describe their physical setting and the characteristics of the stone. Adzes from museum collections were investigated to identify Southland argillite adzes, determine their find locations and record morphological data. Chronological information was obtained using adze typologies and investigating Southland argillite associations with moahunting and radiocarbon dates.
The sources have differing physical characteristics and occurred in a variety of forms which required different methods of extraction. These forms had a direct bearing on the form of adzes and manufacture methods that were required depending on the limitations or advantages of the different stones.
Southland argillite was used in the first centuries after New Zealand colonisation, until declining a few centuries later. The distribution of the stone was mainly concentrated around Southland and East Otago, although also extending into Fiordland, Central Otago and Canterbury. Transient villages were the main form of settlement in southern New Zealand during this period of time, a system which procured resources through a larger territory of exploitation. Southland argillite was obtained, worked and deposited within this territory as part of this system. As this form of settlement declined in southern New Zealand, Foveaux Strait was no longer heavily exploited and Southland argillite dropped out of use.