The Chronology of Mount Camel Archaic site, Northland, New Zealand

Abstract

Six new radiocarbon dates have been obtained on shell and charcoal from the Mount Camel or Houbora Archaic site (N6/4). No new excavations were involved. Four samples were extracted from latex pulls of the stratigraphy, and the other two from charcoal samples bagged during excavation in 1965-1966. The charcoal samples are on identified short life-span material. The results are considered in relation to earlier radiocarbon dates and stratigraphy. It is concluded that occupation probably began in the thirteenth century A.O. and was short-lived. At an indeterminate later period there was disturbance of the upper level of deposit, possibly by horticulture.