Polarized Light Microscopy: An Old Technique Casts New Light on Māori Textile Plants |
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Authors: | R A Paterson B J Lowe C A Smith J M Lord R Ngarimu‐Cameron |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Applied Sciences/Te Tari Pūtaiao Whakahāngai, University of Otago/Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo, Dunedin/ōtepoti, New Zealand/Aotearoa;2. Department of Botany/Te Tari Huaota o Otāgo, University of Otago/Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo, Dunedin/ōtepoti, New Zealand/Aotearoa;3. , Opotiki, New Zealand/Aotearoa |
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Abstract: | Understanding the composition of an artefact has ramifications for advancing human history and behaviour knowledge, providing cultural information about trade, agricultural practices and adaptation to new environments. However, accurate plant identification from artefacts is problematic, since textile production, age, dirt and/or conservation treatments obscure morphological features, and specimen size and/or ethical considerations hamper modern analytical methods. This study tested the efficacy of polarized light microscopy (PLM) in the identification of New Zealand plant species commonly used in Māori textiles, and demonstrates that morphological and birefringent features observed using PLM have the potential to distinguish between‐ and within‐plant genera. |
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Keywords: | Mā ori Textiles New Zealand Flax Phormium Cordyline Freycinetia Sign of Elongation Modified Herzog Test |
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