Story: Mātaitai – shellfish gathering

Shell midden

Shell midden

Māori have long made use of a huge variety of shellfish. The full extent has become clearer as archaeologists have excavated middens like this one at Ōngare Point. Pipi, pāua, pūpū, mussels, cockles, oysters, scallops and mud snails have been found, along with a number of less common shells.

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University of Auckland, Department of Anthropology, Anthropology Photographic Archive
Reference: 024/F_3_198_211
Photograph by Wilfred Shawcross

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How to cite this page:

Mere Whaanga, 'Mātaitai – shellfish gathering - Archaeological evidence', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8102/shell-midden (accessed 3 May 2024)

Story by Mere Whaanga, published 12 Jun 2006