Forty years ago a grave was excavated on the banks of the Clutha River - inside, a middle aged man in a simple wooden coffin, his leather shoes still tied to his feet.
The excavation was done as part of archaeological work ahead of the Clyde Dam's completion, and the lone grave had been reported by the landowner.
What made the man's grave unusual is that it had clearly been dug up earlier - he'd been robbed and his remains disturbed.
The bones were taken to Otago University and remained there for decades, until bioarchaeologist Professor Hallie Buckley and her colleague Peter Petchey decided to investigate further.
Efforts are now underway to give the man a proper burial - and provide him with a final resting place.
Lynn speaks with Lynley Claridge, owner of Affinity Funerals in Alexandra, and Dr Hallie Buckley.
Photo: Neville Ritchie, Journal of Pacific Archaeology
