BLOG 4: What are the Connections Between Waipoua Stonework Structures and Southeast Asian Stoneworks?

A detailed description of the Waipoua Stonework Structures can be seen at: https://www.kerrypaul.co.nz/post/22-what-can-we-learn-from-the-archaeological-excavation-at-waipoua-stone-settlement-in-the-waipoua

The principal conclusion derived from the examination of the stonework structures is that the settlement, encompassing an area of 645 hectares, was constructed and inhabited by a substantial population over numerous generations. Situated on the west coast of Northland, this location serves as a strategically advantageous landing site for vessels navigating the 100 kilometre-wide East Australian Current and diverting toward Northland.

Location of Waipoua Stone Structures in Northland

The Waipoua site is a showcase of advanced stone construction, with the structures demonstrating evidence of skilled craftsmanship. The use of stone for both ceremonial and residential purposes is a hallmark of ancient societies. However, no equivalent example to Waipoua exists elsewhere in New Zealand, or in fact Australia.

Waipoua Forest Stoneworks Covered by Vegetation

Striking examples of massive stoneworks for ceremonial and residential purposes exist in Southeast Asia. The most outstanding example is the Angkor Archaeological Park located in Northern Cambodia. More than 200 temples were constructed across a vast 420 square kilometre area to form the Angkor Archaeological Park, with Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom standing out as the principal complexes, both predominantly built from sandstone.

Angkor Wat from the southwest in the early 13^th century, looking beyond to city of Angkor Thom

The Angkor Empire (also called Khmer) originated in 8^th century by King Jayavarman II (790-835) who ruled a territory around present-day Siem Reap. His successors gradually annexed territories and as the empire gathered wealth the architectural structures became more magnificent.

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer civilization, which in its prime from AD 800 to 1400 commanded the rich lowlands of Cambodia, much of modern Thailand, Laos and Southern Vietnam. Its god kings lived in cities built to represent the mythical mountain home of the Hindu gods, surrounded by huge moats that symbolised the encircling oceans.

Huge sandstone blocks were brought over 30 km to build the structures.

Angkor is the name given to the cities and the associated monuments that lie between the Tonle Sap (large freshwater lake) and the Kulen Hills in Northern Cambodia. The word derives from the Sanskrit nagara meaning “holy city”. Viewed from the air, it is possible to detect the outlines of cities, reservoirs and temples, which reflects constant urban renewal. New temples continued to be built there over a period of at least seven centuries from AD 700.

At the height of Angkor’s power in the 13^th century, its population was close to 1 million whereas Paris barely mustered 200,000 people, London 80,000 inhabitants.

Although the Waipoua site does not match the magnificence of the Angkor temples, it still serves as a foundational example.

Does this provide further evidence about who were New Zealand’s first settlers?