Tailing the Māori dog (kuri) across Te Ika-a-Māui Aotearoa through zooarchaeology – Public Talk

Public lecture by Patricia Pillay

Patricia is an archaeologist and Doctoral candidate at the University of Auckland. As a zooarchaeologist, she is interested in human-animal interactions, particularly in the Pacific Islands. Her recent focus has been investigating the close relationship between Māori ancestors and their canine companions in Aotearoa history through zooarchaeology.

For thousands of years, our relationship with dogs has continuously evolved to include an eclectic range of roles throughout human history. The Pacific Islands provide another context for understanding this ongoing evolutionary relationship due to the absence of other domesticated animals and oceanic transportation in contrast to mainland migration. Patricia’s recent Master’s research considers the role of kurī, the Māori dog, in Te-Ika-a-Māui North Island Aotearoa through zooarchaeological analysis.