Artefacts, history and assemblage formation at Te Hoe whaling station, New Zealand

Manufacturing date ranges for ceramic vessels, glass bottles, clay pipes and selected metal artefacts at Te Hoe whaling station, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand are compared with each other and with two historically identified phases of occupation at the site (c.1842-1857, 1864-1896). This supports the frequently observed pattern of ceramic vessels having a longer use-life than either glass bottles or clay pipes. It also shows a markedly longer time-lag for ceramics from the second phase of occupation, which is interpreted here as indicating that the remnant whaling community had limited engagement with mainstream New Zealand society throughout the later nineteenth century.