Ian Smith Memorial Lecture

Join us for an inaugural seminar series celebrating the kaupapa and inspiration of the late Ian W.G. Smith (1954-2020). Smith spent much of his notable career researching sealing in the Southern Ocean by Māori, Moriori and Europeans and, in the process, became a leading figure in the archaeology of marine mammals and in the establishment of systematic historical archaeology in New Zealand.

Emeritus Professor Atholl Anderson (CNZM) presents Hardy rascals of doubtful shame: sealing and sealers in southern New Zealand. Anderson will discuss Smith’s research in Māori sealing as an exemplary case of economic prehistory and his archaeology of European sealing as demonstrating more organisation in the activity and a broader intention to engage with Māori than has been often assumed historically. Offering some additional thoughts upon the historical perception of sealers and society in southern New Zealand.

Recognised as of one New Zealand’s most distinguished scholars, Anderson has made significant contributions to Pacific and New Zealand archaeology and Māori history.

This is a hybrid event. If you would like to join online, please register by booking a hybrid ticket.

Doors open and cash bar available from 5pm.

Register (for online or in-person attendance) via https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/ian-smith-memorial-lecture

This event is organised by Christchurch Archaeology Project, Tūhura Otago Museum and the University of Otago. It has been made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology, the New Zealand Archaeological Association, the Anthropology programme at the University of Otago and Tūhura Otago Museum.