A Norfolk Island basalt adze from coastal New South Wales

Abstract

Using portable x-ray fluorescence we re-examine a quadrangular basalt adze collected at Dark Point, coastal New South Wales (NSW), in 1928 and described at that time as �Polynesian-looking�. Comparison with a wide range of Pacific basalts, including from New Zealand, Australia, Bismarck Archipelago, East Polynesia and Norfolk Island demonstrates that it is made from Norfolk Island basalt. We discuss several scenarios as to its possible origin, concluding that a direct derivation from a Polynesian voyage from Norfolk Island is the most likely. We also suggest that the one-piece shell fishhook in NSW may derive from a similar source. Show more