This page is mainly
about New Zealand archaeology. It's got some good archaeological links for New Zealand and
this part of the world, some papers I have written but not published and a bibliography of
the ones I have. The Blog below is some personal observations which I might make
from time to time.
Archaeology in New
Zealand is practiced in respect of the Maori (Polynesian) occupation of New Zealand
(including the Kermadec Islands to the north and Chatham Islands in the east), starting
perhaps 800 years ago, but also in respect of historic sites left by more recent
visitors and immigrants, European and Chinese, since 1800 AD, looking at settlements and
sealing, whaling and mining industries.
New Zealand archaeology
relates particularly to New Zealand of course, but archaeologists based here also work in
Polynesia, the rest of Oceania, particularly on Polynesian origins and also in South East
Asia - particularly Thailand.
There is also some research on historic sites in Antarctica. There are close professional
relationships with Australian archaeologists and a quite a few there have come from here,
but little research is conducted across the Tasman Sea in either direction.
BLOG:
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Nina Burleigh 2007 Napoleon's Scientists and the Unveiling of Egypt. Harper Collins New York.
A popular and very readable account of the 1798 adventure by Napoleon to deny Egypt to the British. Hundreds of scholars and students accompanied the expeditions and were feted but eventually abandoned by Napoleon. Denon wrote an account of travels in upper and lower Egypt which was rapidly translated into English but the main output was the massive Description of Egypt published in several parts, initially under the authority of Napoleon, but after he was deposed under that of the restored monarch - this despite many of the scholars being treated abominably under the new regime. The book was one foundation of the incorporation of ancient Egyptian design elements into Empire Style. The Taschen edition (1990) is probably the most accessible, but it is also online. Along with many of the army, a sizeable proportion of the scholars were never to leave Egypt, dying there, many of the plague.
The early contribution of engineers the Egyptology was a surprise. A military engineer recognised the importance of the Rosetta Stone when it was found in work to strengthen a fortification. The records made of the monuments of Egypt were made the engineers, those best skilled to make measured drawings. It was unfortunate the standards they started did not persist in the rest of the century - justifiably called the rape of Egypt.
So you think the Rosetta Stone is black? After it was found it had ink applied to the surface and it was used directly for taking paper copies. Over the years many more materials were added to the surface. The grano-diorite has recently been cleaned British Museum page - it turns out to be pinkish grey with a pink strip. Photo after cleaning.
My interests include:
C14 dating, numerical taxonomy, social implications of spatial patterning in sites and
landscapes, site protection in development projects and museums.
Site of the day - 29 Jan 2001
And 28 Aug 2002
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Auckland, August 1908: A Stop on the Great White
Fleet World Cruise
By: Garry
Law
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