New South Wales police who asked New
Zealand scientists to analyse samples from a human skull found on a
Sydney beach have been told it is an astonishing 700 years old, but
not of Aboriginal origin.
The radiocarbon-dating carried out by Waikato University showed
the skull dates from around 1300AD - about the time New Zealand was
settled by Maori.
Anthropologists ruled out the possibility of it being an
indigenous skull, but its age predates European arrival on the east
coast by 500 years.
NSW police have issued a statement appealing for anyone with
knowledge of the skull to contact them.
But police have been unable to explain how the skull ended up
near the high tide mark of Mona Vale Beach on September 12, where it
was discovered by early morning swimmers.
Police have ruled out foul play.
NZPA