Search to find home for taonga
A taonga has been found during an archeological excavation in Cambridge and is yet to be claimed.
The Maori adze, a tool similar to an axe, used for cutting or shaping large pieces of wood, was found when preparations to restore the Arnold Cottage on Cambridge Rd were underway.
It has since been handed to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, which is hoping to find an iwi to return it to.
It is the second taonga tururu, an object that relates to Maori culture, history, or society, to be found in the Cambridge area since 2006.
The adze is made of fine grained basalt, the blade has been sharpened and it shows evidence of wear.
It is 87.6mm long, 19.5mm deep and weighs 101 grams.
Manager Heritage Operations David Butts said that while finds like this one were common at archaeological project sites, the items could also be found in other places such as farm paddocks, when road works are underway, and at river mouths.
‘‘Adzes are the most commonly notified toanga. So far this year the ministry has been notified of 91 taonga tuturu findings throughout New Zealand.’’
He said when the ministry is notified of a claim it publishes a notice and sends letters to iwi with areas of interest to where the taonga was found.
‘‘Once the 60-day public notification period has ended and we have followed up with further communication with iwi, the ministry applies to the Maori Land Court for orders to determine ownership.
‘‘The court can vest the taonga in the care of an individual iwi or a number of iwi, depending on the ownership claims.’’
It was given to the ministry under the Protected Objects Act (1975). Establishing and recording ownership of nga taonga tuturu is one of the purposes of the act.
‘‘The taonga should be taken to the nearest public museum for notification and they will act as interim custodian,’’ Butts said. All finds must be notified to the ministry within 28 working days.
If no claims are received, the adze will remain in Crown ownership and the ministry will make long-term custody arrangements.