Amy Roberts

Late Holocene Climatic Changes Recorded In Macropod Bone Collagen Stable Carbon And Nitrogen Isotopes At Fromms Landing, South Australia

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of human and faunal bone have been used extensively by archaeologists to address past human dietary composition (Pate 1994; Bocherens et al. 1999). Because stable isotope values also vary in response to climatic conditions, isotopic analyses of faunal bone may provide information about changes in climate that can supplement data derived from palynology and other palaeoenvironmental techniques. Bone collagen stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of modern South Australian macropods collected at four sites along a transect from temperate coastal Mount Gambier in the south to arid inland Innamincka in the north (Pate et al. 1998) showed increasing (more positive) d 13 C and d 15 N values from coast to interior. These modem stable isotope data provide baseline values for palaeoclimatic inferences. This paper evaluates the validity of employing stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of archaeological faunal bone as a means to assess minor fluctuations in Late Holocene climate in southeastern South Australia. Grey kangaroo (Macropus sp.) bone samples were taken from various stratigraphic levels at Fromms Landing, Shelter 2 dating from ca 5000 BP to the early historic period, AD 1840s (Mulvaney 1960; Mulvaney et al. 1964). The Fromms Landing sites are located on the west bank of the lower Murray River approximately 90 km east of Adelaide.

“They Planned Their Calendar… They Set Up Ready for What They Wanted to Feed the Tribe”: A First-Stage Analysis of Narungga Fish Traps on Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

ABSTRACT This article outlines “first stage” research into Aboriginal fish traps located on Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. The project was undertaken by Flinders University researchers in collaboration with the Indigenous traditional owners of the region—the Narungga people. The research aimed to achieve a range of objectives including obtaining basic data as to the location and types of fish traps in the region as well as contextualizing these fish capture facilities in a variety of ways via traditional knowledge and contemporary perspectives, a consideration of temporal issues, a reflection on the role of traps in the Narungga coastal economy, and through reference to broader discussions (both nationally and internationally) concerning the timing and economic/socio-cultural importance of these technological innovations. Narungga knowledge systems and perspectives recorded in relation to the fish traps reveal multifaceted relationships between the community and their environment as well as associated religious/ritual engagement and cosmological knowledge. Comparison with neighboring areas reveals that the role of fish traps in coastal economies in the broader South Australia region is differential. Our observations also align with the conceptual approaches of prior researchers who have used fish traps to infer the existence or at least emergence of detailed socio-cultural organization in a late Holocene context.

Digging Deeper: A Re-Analysis Of The Archaeology Of Fromm’s Landing, South Australia

This research presents a re-analysis of the archaeology of Fromms Landing, South Australia. The majority of this research was carried out on the museum collection from Shelter 2 of Fromms Landing (this collection is located in the South Australian Museum store at Netley), which was excavated between the years of 1956-58 by Professor D. J. Mulvaney. This thesis addresses, in particular, the contributions that the re-analyses of bone and stone can provide to our understanding of past environments, human behaviour and technology. This study presents new data concerning past climatic change through a biochemical analysis of the archaeological fauna1 remains of the species Macropus giganteus. The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis employed in this research provides information on climate change in the Fromms Landing area for the Late Holocene (5000 BP to present). The results from the analysis indicate a climate which was more arid than present between the years of approximately 5000- 3000 BP with present climatic conditions extending from 3000 BP to the present day. Through comparisons to other techniques that are currently employed to determine climate change such as pollen analysis and the analysis of lacustrine deposits, stable carbon isotope analysis presents itself as a viable option for determining regional change as well as indicating climate changes that occur on a national scale. In addition, this thesis presents a revised lithic interpretation that does not focus on the typologies that have been used in the past to interpret lithic assemblages, but instead concentrates on the areas of raw materials, manufacture, retouch and utilisation. This approach to the lithic assemblage at Fromms Landing provides new information regarding raw material acquisition and the changes and consistencies that have occurred in the technology over the past 5000 years. The biases induced by a typological analysis are also highlighted. The recent approaches to the analyses of bone and stone in this research emphasise the amount of new information that can be gained from past excavations through both the provision of new data through isotope analyses and the re-analysis of lithic interpretations.

The ‘very stillness of things’: object biographies of sailcloth and fishing net from the Point Pearce Aboriginal Mission (Burgiyana) colonial archive, South Australia

ABSTRACT This article details the discovery of early twentieth-century sailcloth and fishing-net samples pertaining to the lives of Aboriginal peoples on Point Pearce Aboriginal Mission (Burgiyana). Biographies for the samples are explored, from which it is argued that these objects may have many viewpoints assigned to them. The sailcloth and fishing-net samples allow the telling of complex stories from the past and present. These stories include the resilience, adaptability and strength of Narungga culture when exposed to colonial contextual risk. Indeed, these objects reveal the efforts of missions and government agencies to control the lives of Aboriginal peoples (through the lenses of ‘racism’, paternalism and self-interest), as well as agency and the involvement of Aboriginal peoples in capitalist economies. Objects as subjects can also reveal ongoing struggles for traditional and commercial fishing rights – with the aforementioned being informed by the traditional knowledge and lived experiences of Narungga peoples.

A multidisciplinary investigation of a rock coating at Ngaut Ngaut (Devon Downs), South Australia

Abstract This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary investigation into a dark rock coating at the Ngaut Ngaut heritage complex in South Australia (SA) using geological and botanical examination, Raman microscopy, x–ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and infrared analyses. The coating analysed contains a mixture of calcite, quartz, gypsum and weddellite. The presence of calcite and quartz can be explained by the underlying clastic fossiliferous limestone, while the most probable explanation for the origin of the gypsum is via ground water. The weddellite was likely formed from solutions derived from the reaction of calcite with oxalic acid through the intervention of surface microflora, such as algae. This article provides the first record of weddellite in any context in SA. These findings have a number of implications—one being that the oxalate mineral in the rock coating could potentially be used to conduct accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon analysis and thereby refine our understanding of the rock art chronology at Ngaut Ngaut. A greater understanding of the rates of accumulation may also be useful for management purposes, as the nature of the rock coating may be contributing to long–term exfoliation. Indeed, it is argued that algal colonisation of the limestone (together with other probable microfloral activities) is likely involved in the production of a film over the porous surface, leading to salt weathering

‘They call ’im Crowie’: an investigation of the Aboriginal significance attributed to a wrecked River Murray barge in South Australia

The Indigenous intangible heritage related to wrecked vessels has been poorly studied and documented. This article provides a counter to dominant maritime archaeology discourses via the investigation of the Aboriginal significance attributed to a wrecked and submerged River Murray barge (Crowie) in South Australia. There are numerous layers of Aboriginal significance that may be attributed to Crowie including the relationship of the community with their ‘underwater country’, Indigenous contributions to the riverboat industry, and the use of Aboriginal terms in vessel-naming practices. Geophysical data from multibeam and sidescan sonar surveys allowed for confirmation of the proposed location of the wreck and through comparison with historical descriptions and photographs provided evidence to substantiate the assignation of the wreck as the Crowie barge.

Using Archaeology as Evidence

All native title cases in Australia currently use anthropological and historical research as the major components of their examinations. As a result other forms of analyses that may be useful to Indigenous claimants are often overlooked or not used to their full advantage. One of these analyses is archaeology. 1 Indeed, at a recent native title and archaeology workshop2 archaeologists called for a more dynamic approach to native title claims and felt that there was a need to educate lawyers about the ways in which archaeology can and should be used as a form of evidence. Hence, it was felt that there was a need to publish discussions about archaeology and native title in law journals.

An investigation of human responses to climatic fluctuations at Allen’s Cave, South Australia, from ca 40,000 to 5,000 BP, by a technological analysis of stone artefacts

Abstract Following its initial occupation ca 40,000 years ago, Aboriginal people using Allen’s Cave in South Australia’s arid zone experienced two major climatic changes. From the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) at ca 30,000 cal. BP, until its peak at ca 22,000–18,000 cal. BP, aridity in Australia reached its most intense phase during the human occupation of the site. Conversely, conditions around the Allen’s Cave region during the early Holocene, 11,000–8,000 cal. BP, were the most favourable for human occupation. In this paper, we present the results of a technological and statistical re-analysis of previously excavated Allen’s Cave stone artefact assemblages, focusing on the period ca 40,000–5,000 cal. BP, to examine whether people made adjustments to stone tool manufacture in response to these climatic fluctuations. Our results and interpretations are consistent with some of the conclusions of previous scholars, primarily that the site was used for infrequent visitation rather than long-term occupation, and that little change occurred in the production of stone artefacts (despite changing environmental conditions). We also concur that lithic evidence exists for trade/exchange and/or a change in foraging range or stone curation practices at the start of the early Holocene. However, we do not support all prior claims for significant cultural and demographic changes at this time and we argue that Allen’s Cave was probably abandoned from ca 30,000 to 26,000 cal. BP. The ca 4,000 year hiatus, combined with probable increased visitation after the LGM, suggests that whilst stone tool technology remained largely consistent during the period of focus, Aboriginal people did alter their occupation patterns in response to environmental changes. On the basis of these new interpretations about the site’s occupation history, we provide updated observations in order to contribute to desert occupation modelling.

Richard John Hunter (1946-2006)

Richard John Hunter was born on 27 May 1946 at Swan Reach Mission on the Murray River, South Australia. Richard was the fi rst of fi ve children of Harry Hunter and May Hunter (née Richards). He was a recognised Nganguruku, Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri elder and a custodian of the culture for this region. Indeed, he spent many decades caring for the heritage of his country to which he had a deep connection. Richard’s formative years were spent at Swan Reach Area School where he was head prefect, sports captain, tennis captain and football captain. After leaving school he worked many and varying jobs including working on the fruit blocks, as a jackeroo, as a head ganger on the railways and as a gardener for the Mannum Council. Undoubtedly many of these years were tough, although Richard was not one to complain about such hardships. It was in his subsequent years that he was able to devote his time to working to protect his culture and heritage. To achieve his mission Richard enrolled at the University of South Australia and studied archaeology. He also involved himself in many important research projects and came to be involved in most if not all heritage issues on his country. In fact, he was Chairperson of the Mannum Aboriginal Community Association for countless years. This important work is being carried on by his children. One of the earlier archaeological research projects in which he was heavily involved was the Swan Reach Mission Archaeology, History and Anthropology Project and subsequent publications on which he was a co-author (Anderson et al. 1999; Hemming et al. 2000). Later he was also involved in research at Fromm’s Landing (which included a reanalysis of some of the materials excavated by D.J. Mulvaney) and again was a co-author on one of the papers arising out of this research (see Roberts et al. 1999). These two examples are just a small selection of the archaeological research projects in which he was involved and actually co-authored. Indeed, as mentioned above, his involvement with heritage surveys was extensive. It was Richard’s enthusiasm for archaeology and other related disciplines which led him to attend numerous archaeological and anthropological seminars, conferences and congresses – often as an invited speaker and/or guest. He was admired in his community for travelling overseas to attend the World Archaeological Congresses in India in 1994 and South Africa in 1999. Richard was also passionate about preserving his beloved Ngaut Ngaut for the future generations of his people. This dream was fi nally realised only recently through a co-management arrangement with the Department of Environment and Heritage. Ngaut Ngaut (also known as Devon Downs) is of course famous for being the fi rst archaeological site in Australia to be ‘scientifi cally’ excavated by N.B. Tindale and H. Hale in 1929 and for challenging the theories of the day which argued that Aboriginal people had not occupied Australia for any signifi cant length of time. Richard of course had a lot to say about such theories! Ngaut Ngaut is also the site that Richard used to educate many thousands of tourists, students, government offi cials, archaeologists and others about the importance of Aboriginal culture. In this regard he used the large collection of rock engravings at the site as the conduit for his goals. His involvement in cultural tourism was recognised by both his lifetime membership of Aboriginal Tourism Australia as well as his South Australian Citizen of the Year Award (2006). The important cultural tourism and education work at Ngaut Ngaut continues. Apart from Ngaut Ngaut, Richard considered that his other major life achievement was gaining the title to the land known as Sugar Shack. In fact, it was these two events that he prized above any other awards or recognition. In relation to archaeology and education he was also enthusiastic about improving relationships between Aboriginal people and researchers and educating us about the importance of consultation and negotiation with Aboriginal people. This facet of his interest in the discipline is evident in all research projects in which he involved himself. In particular, his views were recorded through his participation in a study which aimed to investigate such issues and the report for which he was also a co-author (see Roberts et al. 2002). It is diffi cult to sum up such a full and remarkable life in a few short paragraphs except by saying that his passing continues to be mourned by the very many people who loved him. Importantly, his devotion to protecting the heritage of his people has also left a benefi cial legacy to be enjoyed by future generations. Richard is sadly missed by his friends (many of whom work in the South Australian archaeological community) and especially by his family including his 12 children Sharon, Ivy, Geoffrey, Rynald, Rebecca, Belinda, Phillip, Isobelle, Mavis, Samantha, Shannon, Stephanie, his many, many grandchildren, his dearly loved wife Cynthia and countless other family members. Amy Roberts

Stone artefacts from the Beltana region, South Australia

This paper will present some aspects of a lithic analysis that was conducted at Beltana, South Australia, as part of a larger research project investigating Indigenous fringe occupation sites (Di Fazio 2000). The town of Beltana is located south of Leigh Creek in the Flinders Ranges. This predominantly arid area is characterised by cliffs, boulder slopes and gorges (Fox 1991:16). Beltana was established in 1870, taking its name from the Adnyamathanha word for running water (Beverley Patterson 2000, pers. corn.). Today Beltana is predominantly known as a ghost town, however, in its heyday it offered a number of services including a telegraph repeater station, a railway station, and a mining exchange. The Adnyamathanha people were in continuous occupation of the Beltana area from the pre- to post-invasion periods, however during the post-invasion period they were primarily confined to the fringe camps on the outskirts of the town. Â