JOURNAL ARTICLE

'Incredible' carved canoe dates back to first settlement of islands near New Zealand: Fibers found on waka in Chatham Islands roughly align in age with earliest known human arrival.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Meduna, Veronika 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the discovery of an ancient ocean voyaging canoe, known as a waka, on the main island of New Zealand's Chatham Islands, which may date back to the early 15th century. Artifacts unearthed from the site include a 5-meter wooden plank, carved wood, braided rope, and a bottle gourd shard, suggesting significant Polynesian voyaging activity during that period. The findings align with the oral histories of the Indigenous Moriori people, who acknowledge two streams of settlement on Rēkohu, the main island. Tribal authorities are considering further excavations, as the remaining artifacts are at risk of degradation due to exposure to oxygen. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/12, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:189880196
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