Archaeological artefacts found on Norfolk Island

L-R: Dr Amy Mosig Way, Norfolk Islander Snowy Tavener and Nicola Jorgensen examine one of the adzes. An archaeological dig on Norfolk Island has uncovered two Polynesian adzes (stone axes) and hundreds of flakes dating back to pre-European settlement. The adzes were used for wood working and canoe building and form hard evidence of settlement on Norfolk Island by the Polynesians during the 13  and 15  CE. Part of the Australian Museum's first, broad scale, multi-pronged expedition of Norfolk Island, the first pieces of treasure were uncovered by local Norfolk Islander, Snowy Tavener, who had located the site on the walking track in Norfolk Island National Park more than four years ago. It was identified as a new Polynesian site shortly after by Dr Amy Mosig Way, a research archaeologist, and her Masters' student, Nicola Jorgensen, from the University's School of Humanities.  "For many years, I've been walking this track searching for evidence of a new Polynesian site on our island, so when I came across these flakes I couldn't believe my eyes," Snowy said.   "The track is an extremely popular bushwalking path and has been driven and walked over for hundreds of years, but before we told the wider community about our find, I wanted it confirmed by archaeologists." "I showed the site to my friend, Deb Jorgensen, who has a daughter, Nicola Jorgensen, studying Archaeology at the University of Sydney under Dr Amy Mosig Way from the Australian Museum, and the University of Sydney." "Nicola was immediately interested and so she and her supervisor came over last year to confirm that it was indeed a potential new Polynesian site," he added.