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Story: History

Polynesian carved dog

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Polynesian carved dog

The East Polynesians who settled New Zealand brought with them the Polynesian dog (kurī) and rat (kiore). But the Polynesian hen and pig did not make it to New Zealand. This representation of a dog – one of the oldest artefacts ever found in New Zealand – was discovered in a cave at Redcliffs, near Christchurch. The cave was used by some of the first Polynesians to settle in New Zealand.

Using this item

Canterbury Museum

Reference: E158.356

Permission of Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

John Wilson, History – Māori arrival and settlement, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/1450/polynesian-carved-dog (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 3 March 2009, updated 1 April 2020.