Pits Long, Large and Prestigious: Recognition of Varieties of Maori Komara Storage Pits in Northern New Zealand

Abstract

Consideration of the sizes and dimensions of kiimara (sweet potato) storage pits from six excavations in the northern North Island of New Zealand has shown that some pits within the assemblage stand oul from tbe ordinary, through being either unusuaUy long in relation lo th eir width, or large, or both. Long pits, in particular, are not part of the archaeological landscape of visible pits in the region. The excavated examples are typically within seulemenls and have been re-fiUed after use. The reasons for these extravagances are examined and il is proposed that the pits were built in this way to display a wealth of food. Long pits appear to have been a characteristic form in the sixteenth century and possibly for a somewhat broader time span, but did not continue to be buill until the end of prehistory. They may have been replaced by o ther ways of displaying food wealth. Links to historicaUy recorded displays of food are suggested.

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