Keep River Archaeology

P. Taçon

This ARC funded project involves collaboration between Lesley Head, Richard Fullagar and other University of Wollongong staff, the Australian Museum and Ken Mulvaney (Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, Darwin).

Richard Fullagar, Paddy Carlton and Ken Mulvaney investigate one of the largest Keep River rock-art sites.

Alan Watchman and Sven Ouzman sample an ancient depiction of a macropod for AMS radio-carbon dating.

Fieldwork in 1999 included discussions with Aboriginal custodians and landowners; recording of rock-art in two previously unvisited areas; initial geomorphic studies; selection of locations for excavation in 2000; and discussions with organisations involved with the Ord River Irrigation Project stage II. In July 1999, 43 rock-art sites, previously unknown to non-Aboriginal people, were recorded. Importantly, several of the rock-art sites found in 1999 contain panels with so-called Bradshaw figures, along with sequentially earlier and overlapping art styles. Together with two previously recorded figures, these are the easternmost Bradshaw figures known. In 1999 auger cores were taken at two archaeological sites, revealing artefacts down to about two metres at one location. A further two month field season took place in June/July 2000 with 16 participants, including six students from five universities (including one from Germany and one from Sweden), and senior staff from Australia, South Africa and Mexico. Two major sites were excavated, new areas were surveyed for rock-art, rock paintings and engravings were sampled for dating and the geomorphic study was completed. Results are currently being analysed and manuscripts are being prepared for publication.

Back to Research Projects