Story: Otago region

Silcrete blade

Silcrete blade

Silcrete, a rock that is suitable for making cutting tools, is found in a number of places in Central Otago. The early Polynesian inhabitants developed a technique to craft it into blades, which were later found at moa-butchering sites in Otago. This blade was found at the mouth of the Waitaki River.

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How to cite this page:

Malcolm McKinnon, 'Otago region - Māori history and whaling', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/22627/silcrete-blade (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Malcolm McKinnon, updated 1 May 2015