CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND—Tens of thousands of artifacts have been recovered during the archaeological investigation of earthquake-damaged areas of central Christchurch, including Maori objects, gold prospecting equipment, and a roller skate. In particular, the excavation of a domestic rubbish pit at the site of the Isaac Theatre Royal has recovered many intact bottles and ceramics, such as an earthenware crucible used to separate metals. “We didn’t expect to find anything. Looking at old maps of the area from 1877, there were very few houses on that block,” said archaeologist Kirsa Webb.
Artifacts Recovered From Quake-Damaged Zone in New Zealand
News January 30, 2013
Recommended Articles
Off the Grid November/December 2025
Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Wyoming
Letter from Mongolia November/December 2025
Building the Black City
Why the nomads of the Uighur Empire constructed a medieval urban center like no other
Digs & Discoveries November/December 2025
In His Majesty's Secret Service
Digs & Discoveries November/December 2025
Washington Risks It All
-
Features November/December 2012
Zeugma After the Flood
New excavations continue to tell the story of an ancient city at the crossroads between east and west
(Hasan Yelken/Images & Stories) -
Letter from India November/December 2012
Living Heritage at Risk
Searching for a new approach to development, tourism, and local needs at the grand medieval city of Hampi
(Gethin Chamberlain) -
Artifacts November/December 2012
Beaker Vessels
Ceramic beakers were the vessels of choice for the so-called “Black Drink” used at Cahokia by Native Americans in their purification rituals
(Linda Alexander, photographer, use with permission of the Illinois State Archaeological Society) -
Digs & Discoveries November/December 2012
The Desert and the Dead
(Courtesy Bernardo Arriaza)