Artifacts Recovered From Quake-Damaged Zone in New Zealand

News January 30, 2013

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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.

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