Valuing Stones: obsidian stemmed tools in the creation of social complexity in Papua New Guinea. New inter-disciplinary research into the manufacture, use and exchange of highly distinctive obsidian artifacts will evaluate proposals that they signify the existence of social differentiation in the Pacific region more than 6000 years ago. The research employs new social theory, replication experiments, use-wear analyses and pioneers Raman spectroscopy to detect geological sources and identify micr ....Valuing Stones: obsidian stemmed tools in the creation of social complexity in Papua New Guinea. New inter-disciplinary research into the manufacture, use and exchange of highly distinctive obsidian artifacts will evaluate proposals that they signify the existence of social differentiation in the Pacific region more than 6000 years ago. The research employs new social theory, replication experiments, use-wear analyses and pioneers Raman spectroscopy to detect geological sources and identify microscopic residues. The study will make a significant contribution to Australian and world scholarship, continue the innovation and leadership of Australian scholars in research on stone tools and prehistoric exchange, and promote goodwill and better diplomacy with Australia's nearest neighbour, Papua New Guinea. Read moreRead less
The Niah Cave project: archaeological textile analysis. This project on archaeological textiles from excavations at Niah Cave in Sarawak involves collaborative links between researchers from many different disciplines from the Australian National University, the National University of Singapore, the University of Cambridge and the University of Leicester as well as researchers from the Sarawak Museum in Malaysia. The project is an integrated program of archaeological excavation and environmental ....The Niah Cave project: archaeological textile analysis. This project on archaeological textiles from excavations at Niah Cave in Sarawak involves collaborative links between researchers from many different disciplines from the Australian National University, the National University of Singapore, the University of Cambridge and the University of Leicester as well as researchers from the Sarawak Museum in Malaysia. The project is an integrated program of archaeological excavation and environmental science by an inter-disciplinary team from universities in Great Britain, Australia, Sarawak and the USA and will lead to further international collaboration.Read moreRead less
Reconstructing Prehistoric Exchange of Volcanic Glasses in Far East Russia. This project examines competing theories to explain the causes for volcanic glass movement up to 700 kilometres from its source, in Far East Russia 18,000 years ago. As the earliest evidence in the world for long distance overland movement of materials, this case represents a significant innovation within human evolution. The project combines studies of production and consumption to test competing theories to explain wh ....Reconstructing Prehistoric Exchange of Volcanic Glasses in Far East Russia. This project examines competing theories to explain the causes for volcanic glass movement up to 700 kilometres from its source, in Far East Russia 18,000 years ago. As the earliest evidence in the world for long distance overland movement of materials, this case represents a significant innovation within human evolution. The project combines studies of production and consumption to test competing theories to explain why and how volcanic glass was transported. Analyses of geological outcrops, quarries/workshops, and locations of artifact use and discard over a large region enable a comprehensive reconstruction of changing patterns of behaviour between 18,000-2500 bp.Read moreRead less
The Spandrel Hypothesis: Towards a unified theory of stone flaking. The archaeological story of human evolution and prehistory has a strong Old World bias – the impression is that main events were in Africa and Europe and Australasia was mostly irrelevant. This is particularly true where stone tools are concerned: Australasian tools appear not to track the progression in technology that appears to be present in the Old World Standard Sequence. This project will test whether the Standard Sequence ....The Spandrel Hypothesis: Towards a unified theory of stone flaking. The archaeological story of human evolution and prehistory has a strong Old World bias – the impression is that main events were in Africa and Europe and Australasia was mostly irrelevant. This is particularly true where stone tools are concerned: Australasian tools appear not to track the progression in technology that appears to be present in the Old World Standard Sequence. This project will test whether the Standard Sequence has been overinterpreted and the pattern recognised for Australasia is in fact applicable world-wide. The results of the project will enhance the way Australia interprets itself and the Australasian region to the rest of the world. This is a goal of Research Priority 4 (Safeguarding Australia).Read moreRead less
Analysis and interpretation of the cultural and environmental landscape of the nationally significant Mt. Eccles lava flow: a GIS approach. The project focuses on analysis and interpretation of Digital Terrain Models, using Geographical Information Systems, produced from high resolution aerial photography of the globally significant Mt Eccles lava flow, Southwest Victoria. Via predictive modelling, we will identify the extent and status of archaeologically significant Indigenous eel aquaculture ....Analysis and interpretation of the cultural and environmental landscape of the nationally significant Mt. Eccles lava flow: a GIS approach. The project focuses on analysis and interpretation of Digital Terrain Models, using Geographical Information Systems, produced from high resolution aerial photography of the globally significant Mt Eccles lava flow, Southwest Victoria. Via predictive modelling, we will identify the extent and status of archaeologically significant Indigenous eel aquaculture systems and dwellings; investigate land modification through simulation of past water flows; design protective measures for ecological/cultural heritage; provide a database for eco/cultural tourism and educational interpretation and ongoing archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research. The resulting information will be incorporated into management plans forming the basis of sustainable land/wetland projects and World Heritage nomination.projects and World Heritage nomination.Read moreRead less
Water Dreams, Earthen Histories :The Penrith Lakes Scheme and the Remaking of Old Castlereagh, NSW. The project explores the history, archaeology and environment of Castlereagh and the Penrith Lakes Scheme in Sydney's west. Conceived in the 1960s, this Scheme aims to rehabilitate gravel quarries by creating huge lakes, but is destroying a rich palimpsest of earlier landscapes. Using a multidisciplinary, holistic approach, the project will assess the Scheme's history, impact and management, and ....Water Dreams, Earthen Histories :The Penrith Lakes Scheme and the Remaking of Old Castlereagh, NSW. The project explores the history, archaeology and environment of Castlereagh and the Penrith Lakes Scheme in Sydney's west. Conceived in the 1960s, this Scheme aims to rehabilitate gravel quarries by creating huge lakes, but is destroying a rich palimpsest of earlier landscapes. Using a multidisciplinary, holistic approach, the project will assess the Scheme's history, impact and management, and will develop a new kind of environmental history: one which integrates science and engineering with history and heritage, and explores the meanings of the place (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) and the consequences of its loss and remaking.Read moreRead less
Rehabilitation of archaeological surface collections: Development of research strategies for the assessment, collection, and scientific analysis of lithic surface scatters. Archaeological lithic surface collections constitute the majority of prehistoric sites in Australia. These sites are usually ranked as low to nil priority in cultural heritage assessments for mitigation of site disturbance. Over 16,000 artifacts were collected from a bridge right of way (100%) at Camooweal, QLD. We will analy ....Rehabilitation of archaeological surface collections: Development of research strategies for the assessment, collection, and scientific analysis of lithic surface scatters. Archaeological lithic surface collections constitute the majority of prehistoric sites in Australia. These sites are usually ranked as low to nil priority in cultural heritage assessments for mitigation of site disturbance. Over 16,000 artifacts were collected from a bridge right of way (100%) at Camooweal, QLD. We will analyse 350 artifacts for organic use residues including dating, and use statistical analysis of the whole collection to arrive at a model for appropriate investigation of this site type in future. The research team is a novel collaboration between university, a heritage consultant, and an Aboriginal corporation.Read moreRead less
How Do Stone Tools Reflect Cognition Among the First Australians and their Precursors? The popularity of the Indonesian 'hobbit' (Homo floresiensis) discovery provides an ideal platform for interpreting Australasian prehistory to a wider community. This project explores the arrival of modern humans in Indonesia, their interaction with 'hobbits', and the colonisation of Australia by comparing the different ways these hominins made stone tools. Although research indicates a significant level of ....How Do Stone Tools Reflect Cognition Among the First Australians and their Precursors? The popularity of the Indonesian 'hobbit' (Homo floresiensis) discovery provides an ideal platform for interpreting Australasian prehistory to a wider community. This project explores the arrival of modern humans in Indonesia, their interaction with 'hobbits', and the colonisation of Australia by comparing the different ways these hominins made stone tools. Although research indicates a significant level of behavioural unity in our genus, 'hobbits' were not like us. 'Us' refers, of course, to modern humans, and hence this research is of global relevance. By applying a 'design space' model to toolmaking in the past, this project will demonstrate that the earliest trends in technology apply equally to human groups throughout the world. Read moreRead less
Loyalty Islands Archaeological Project: Phase I (Tiga Island). The project is explicitly intended to help safeguard Australia by strengthening our understanding of our region and the world. The study will substantially enhance international research cooperation between Australia, France and the French Pacific territories and will contribute to South Pacific development through its direct and indirect spin-offs for cultural heritage management and tourism. These outcomes will directly benefit the ....Loyalty Islands Archaeological Project: Phase I (Tiga Island). The project is explicitly intended to help safeguard Australia by strengthening our understanding of our region and the world. The study will substantially enhance international research cooperation between Australia, France and the French Pacific territories and will contribute to South Pacific development through its direct and indirect spin-offs for cultural heritage management and tourism. These outcomes will directly benefit the nation/community at a time when social, cultural and historical issues of the sort addressed by the project are assuming an ever-greater importance in an uncertain global security environment.Read moreRead less
The origins of human colonization in East Polynesia and their relevance to maritime migration. The Indo-Pacific is a world of islands, including Australia, which was colonized during prehistory in several phases of migration, the last and longest of which was in East Polynesia. Extensive excavation of a large, waterlogged archaeological site of this era in French Polynesia will provide a better understanding of the period, society and external relationships of the early migrants, and of the proc ....The origins of human colonization in East Polynesia and their relevance to maritime migration. The Indo-Pacific is a world of islands, including Australia, which was colonized during prehistory in several phases of migration, the last and longest of which was in East Polynesia. Extensive excavation of a large, waterlogged archaeological site of this era in French Polynesia will provide a better understanding of the period, society and external relationships of the early migrants, and of the processes of prehistoric maritime migration which link Australian peoples to those of our neighbours across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.Read moreRead less