Applying geoarchaeological principles to marine archaeology (W.A.)

A new article in the journal Geoarchaeology. 

Applying geoarchaeological principles to marine archaeology: A reappraisal of the 'first marine' and 'in situ' lithic scatters in the Dampier Archipelago, NW Australia

Ingrid Ward, Piers Larcombe, Peter J Ross and Chris Fandry

Geoarchaeology 2022

Abstract

The absence of known prehistoric underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites on theAustralian inner shelf stands in stark contrast to the thousands of sites revealedelsewhere in the world. Two recent claims—Dortch et al. (D2019) and Benjamin et al.(B2020)—put forward the first in situ (i.e., primary context) UCH sites in the shallowwaters of the Dampier Archipelago, North West Australia, each arguing that thestone artefact scatters are at least 7000 years old and are now submerged becauseof postglacial sea‐level rise. We present new hydrodynamic modelling and data oncoastal erosion and bathymetry, and reassess each site's sedimentary setting andarchaeological site‐formation history. D2019 and B2020 clearly present lithiccultural artefacts, but the arguments for their sites being of primary context andreflecting early Holocene land surfaces are mistaken. Rather, these sites occur in theintertidal zone, and many or all artefacts are likely to have been reworked. Sites ofsecondary context, if treated appropriately, can inform our understanding of site‐formation process and change, and may support more powerful contributions tosubmerged archaeology than attempts to seek the first or the oldest.

The full article is available here . 

The article this paper refers to appears in a blog entry on this site dated July 5, 2020.

Gamilaraay People (QUD 290 of 2017) Native Title Authorisation

Gamilaraay People (QUD 290 of 2017) Native Title Authorisation

The claim area is south of St George  and centred on Thallon, Talwood and St George.

The Gamilaraay People are currently described as the descendants of:

1.  Beeswing and his daughter Lucy Long

2.  Kitty [Dunn]

3.  Reuben Bartman

4.  Mary Ann, mother of William Arnold

5.  George Bennett and Mary Moodie

6.  Harry Denham

7.  Maude Dixon/Hill

8.  Charlie Hippi

9.  James McGowan, father of Aggie, Annie and Kate McGowan

10. Phoebe Munday

11. William Trapman/Troutman

12. William (Billy) Whightman

13. Eliza Weatherall

14. Kitty, mother of Charles, Jack and Alice Dennison

15. Walter/William Marley

16. Lennie Jane Smith/Rodwell

17. Mary Ann and Murray, parents of George and Ada Murray

18. Charles Cubby and Lucy Ann

19. Billy Edwards

20. Jonathon Flick and Mary Ann

21. Eliza Kirk

22. Mary McGrady

23. William Hilbert Saunders

24. Whalan Johnny

25. Sarah Witon and Witson/Wilson/Murphy

All Gamilaraay People as currently described above and over the age of 18 who attend the First Authorisation Meeting, will be asked to consider authorising the following amendments to the native title claim group by adding the underlined words to and removing the striked through words

from the description of the Gamilaraay People.

The Native Title Holders are the Gamilaraay People. The Gamilaraay People are the persons who are descendants of one or more of the following people:

1. Beeswing and his daughter Lucy Long;

2. Kitty, mother of Charles, Jack and Alice Dennison;

3. Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Brown [Dunn];

4. Mary Ann, mother of William Arnold;

5. Mary Ann and Murray, parents of George and Ada Murray;

6. Reuben Bartman;

7. George Bennett and Mary Moodie;

8. Charles Cubby and Lucy Ann;

9. Harry Denham; Maude Dixon/Hill;

10. Billy Edwards;

11. Jonathon Flick and Mary Ann;

12. Charlie Hippi;

13. Eliza Kirk;

14. Walter/William Marley;

15. James McGowan, father of Aggie, Annie and Kate McGowan;

16. Mary McGrady;

17. Phoebe Munday;

18. William Hilbert Saunders James Saunders and Sarah Pye/Bucknell/McGintie;

19. Lennie Jane Smith/Rodwell;

20. William Trapman/Troutman;

21. Whalean Johnny;

22. William (Billy) Wightman;

23. Sarah Witon aka Witson/Wilson/Murphy;

24. Eliza Weatherall; or

25. Jimmy Hinch.

These amendments are proposed following further anthropological research and negotiations with the State. The amendments would not remove any members of the claim group. The amendments will potentially add members to the claim group.

Appeared in the Koori Mail dated June 15, 2022

Wadja People Native Title Authorisation Meeting

Wadja People Native Title Authorisation Meeting

The claim area is centred on Bauhinia in Central Queensland

The native title claim group for the Application is comprised of all the persons descended from the following Wadja ancestors:

1. Myra Freeman

2. Biddy Dutton, mother of Harriet Dutton

3. Sarah Dodd

4. Unnamed Wadjainggo woman whose Granddaughter was Eva Tyson

Appeared in the Koori Mail dated June 15, 2022 

Authorisation Meeting of the Gomeroi People Native Title Claim Group (NSD 37/2019)

The area that is the subject of the Gomeroi Claim is bounded by the NSW/QLD state border in the north, the western slopes of the New England Tableland in the east, the Hunter and Goulburn Rivers in the south and the Castlereagh River in the west.

The meeting is open to all members of the native title claim group in the Gomeroi People native title determination application (NSD37/2019) (‘Gomeroi Claim Group’, ‘the Claim Group’ and ‘Gomeroi Claim’ respectively), being all the descendants of the following apical ancestors:

1. Thomas Pitt (who was born in 1838);

2. Billy Barlow (who was born in Tycannah in 1835);

3. Peter James Cutmore (who was born in Tycannah in 1849);

4. James Swan (who was born in Combadello in 1825);

5. Harriett Wyndham (who was born in Mungie Bundie in 1863);

6. William Levy (who was born in Terry Hie Hie in 1867);

7. Sally Nerang (who was born in Terry Hie Hie circa 1840);

8. Eliza Barlow (who was born in Terry Hie Hie circa 1860);

9. Kitty Dangar (who was born in Walgett in 1837);

10. William Clark (who was born in Collarenebri in 1845);

11. Murray Ippai (who was born in Collarenebri);

12. Mary Ann Ippai (who was born on the Barwon River);

13. Edward Morgan (who was born in Dungalear in 1855);

14. Nancy Morgan (who was born in Dungalear in 1861);

15. Robert Nicholls (who was born in Collarenebri in 1842);

16. Frank Mundy (who was born in Collymongle in 1872);

17. Lena Combo (who was born in Mogil Mogil in 1876);

18. Jack Thunderbolt (who was born in Walgett in 1847);

19. Betsy Yates (also known as Polly Yates and Polly Burras) (who was born on the Barwon River circa 1860);

20. Jenny (who was born in Walgett circa 1840);

21. Dick Silk (who was born in Walgett);

22. Fred Parker (who was born in Gingie in 1864);

23. Murray Rook (who was born in Collarenebri in 1865);

24. Ethel Tinker (who was born in Mercadool circa 1878);

25. Emily McPherson (who was born in Collarenebri in 1892);

26. Billy Whitford (who was born in 1828);

27. King Robert Cobbler (who was born in Mogil Mogil in 1855);

28. Billy Wightman (who was born in Kunopia in 1813);

29. John McGrady (who was born in Moree in 1853);

30. William Dennison (who was born in Kunopia in 1843);

31. Charlie Dennison (who was born circa 1846-1866);

32. Alice Dennison (who was born in Moree circa 1863 -1873);

33. Lucy Long (who was born in Boomi circa 1850);

34. Minnie Lance (who was born in Boomi circa 1868);

35. Harry Denham;

36. Charles Cubby (who was born on the Boomi River);

37. Sarah Wilson (also known as Sarah Murphy and Sarah Witman) (who was born in Kunopia in 1868);

38. Reuben Bartman (who was born in Boomi in 1876);

39. Billy Dunn (who was born in Mungindi);

40. William Edwards (who was born in Thallon);

41. Queen Susan (who was born in Welltown);

42. Phoebe Munday-Williams (who was born in Mungindi in 1864);

43. George Bennett (who was born in Mungindi in 1873);

44. Amelia Bell (also known as Amelia Brown) (who was born in Bingara in 1862);

45. William Snow (who was born in Tamworth or Moonbi in 1855);

46. Francis Snow (who was born in Tamworth in 1858);

47. Matilda Wyndham (who was born in Bingara in 1842);

48. Thomas Duke (who was born in Bingara in 1847);

49. Teasie Griffen (also known as Jessie Griffen and Ellen Griffen) (who was born in Barraba in 1859);

50. Mary Anne Hammond (who was born in Tamworth in 1836);

51. Elizabeth Guest (also known as Eliza Gillan) (who was born in Liverpool Plains in 1840);

52. Jane Maloney (who was born in Walhallow in 1838);

53. Mary Ann Healy (who was born in Murrurundi in 1829);

54. Thomas Taylor (who was born in Coolah in 1836);

55. Elizabeth Loder (also known as Elizabeth Bates) (who was born in Murrurundi in 1843);

56. Sarah Gatehouse (who was born in Aberdeen in 1835);

57. William Duncomb (who was born in Muswellbrook circa 1830);

58. John Morris Tighe (who was born in 1852);

59. Susan Bishop-Young (also known as Susan Dangar) (who was born in Warialda);

60. Sarah Murphy (who was born in 1846);

61. Thomas French (who was born in Scone in 1825);

62. John Thomas Bates (who was born on the Mooki River in 1840);

63. Alexander Nean (who was born in Liverpool Plains in 1843);

64. David Johnson (who was born in Cassilis circa 1838-1844);

65. Mary Orr (also known as Nellie Orr) (who was born in Garrawilla in 1853);

66. Julia Campbell (who was born on the Castlereagh River circa 1833-1834);

67. Annie Jendis (who was born in Burbagate in 1845);

68. Harriet Munro (who was born in Gunnedah in 1867);

69. Alice Eliza Natty (who was born on the Namoi River near Boggabri in 1857);

70. James Tighe (who was born in Coonabarabran in 1842);

71. William Tighe (who was born in Toorawandi in 1844);

72. Patrick Tighe (who was born in Coonabarabran in 1852);

73. Jane Tighe (who was born in 1864);

74. Mary Jane Griffin (also known as ‘Old Ibidah’);

75. Susan Slater (who was born in Coonabarabran in 1839);

76. Thomas Leslie (who was born in Kirban circa 1850-1854);

77. James Leslie (who was born in Armatree in 1853);

78. Ellen Fuller (who was born in Rockgidgiel in 1854);

79. Sarah Hughes (who was born in Coonabarabran circa 1834-1859);

80. James Cole (who was born in 1845);

81. Mary Ann Hall (who was born on the Castlereagh River in 1840);

82. Samuel Bruce Smith (who was born in Tambar Springs circa 1860 – 1863);

83. Elizabeth Ann Smith (who was born in Mullaley in 1866);

84. William Green (also known as William Edwards) (who was born in Kings Plains near Inverell in 1853);

85. Angus Landsborough (who was born in Newstead in 1867);

86. Patrick Landsborough (who was born in Newstead in 1872);

87. Alec Brown (who was born in Bundarra in 1873);

88. Margaret King (who was born in Gummin Gummin near Gulargambone circa 1854-1858);

89. William James King (who was born in Coonabarabran circa 1851-

90. Florence May Blackman (also known as Louisa Florima Blackman) (who was born in Coonamble in 1846);

91. Euphemia Blackman (who was born on the Castlereagh River in 1851);

92. Henry Arthur Yates (who was born in Coonamble in 1860);

93. Betsy Yates (who was born in Wingadee in 1854);

94. Annie Day (who was born in Bullarora Station near Coonamble circa 1871-1876);

95. Army Toomey (who was born in Wingadee near Coonamble in 1886);

96. Maria Clare Hall (who was born in Gulargambone circa 1830-1833);

97. Thomas Carney (who was born in Tonderburine in 1852);

98. Jim Duncan (who was born in Coonamble in 1854);

99. Thomas Reid (who was born in Cuttabri in 1840);

100. Thomas John Blacklock (who was born in Terembone in 1851);

101. Thomas Dangar (who was born in Drilldool in 1857);

102. Harry Doolan (who was born in Pilliga in 1855);

103. George Green (who was born in 1851);

104. Lucy Barr (who was born in Boggabri in 1851);

105. Peggy Reid (who was born in Cuttabri in 1836);

106. Julia Jane Saunders (who was born in Wee Waa in 1845);

107. William Newman (who was born in Cuttabri in 1807);

108. Emma Dingwell (who was born in Bograh Station near Narrabri in 1864);

109. Kate Purser (who was born in Narrabri in 1863);

110. Mary Ann Lucas (who was born in Millie in 1840);

111. Frank Maybury (who was born in Killarney Station near Narrabri circa 1840);

112. Charlotte Hagan (also known as Charlotte Keegan) (who was born in Narrabri circa 1850-1870);

113. Nellie Combo (who was born in Wallah Station near Narrabri in 1850) and

114. Mary Peake (who was born in Narrabri in 1848)

Descendants include persons who are descendants by adoption according to traditional law and custom.

Appeared in the Koori Mail dated June 1, 2022 

Ancient proteins resolve controversy over the identity of Genyornis eggshell

Ancient proteins resolve controversy over the identity of Genyornis eggshell

Beatrice Demarchi et al

PNAS May 24, 2022, Preprint, e2109326119

Abstract follows 

"The realization that ancient biomolecules are preserved in “fossil” samples has revolutionized archaeological science. Protein sequences survive longer than DNA, but their phylogenetic resolution is inferior; therefore, careful assessment of the research questions is required. Here, we show the potential of ancient proteins preserved in Pleistocene eggshell in addressing a longstanding controversy in human and animal evolution: the identity of the extinct bird that laid large eggs which were exploited by Australia’s indigenous people. The eggs had been originally attributed to the iconic extinct flightless bird Genyornis newtoni (†Dromornithidae, Galloanseres) and were subsequently dated to before 50 ± 5 ka by Miller et al. [Nat. Commun. 7, 10496 (2016)]. This was taken to represent the likely extinction date for this endemic megafaunal species and thus implied a role of humans in its demise. A contrasting hypothesis, according to which the eggs were laid by a large mound-builder megapode (Megapodiidae, Galliformes), would therefore acquit  humans of their responsibility in the extinction of Genyornis. Ancient protein sequences were reconstructed and used to assess the evolutionary proximity of the undetermined eggshell to extant birds, rejecting the megapode hypothesis. Authentic ancient DNA could not be confirmed from these highly degraded samples, but morphometric data also support the attribution of the eggshell to Genyornis. When used in triangulation to address well-defined hypotheses, paleoproteomics is a powerful tool for reconstructing the evolutionary history in ancient samples. In addition to the clarification of phylogenetic placement, these data provide a more nuanced understanding of the modes of interactions between humans and their environment." 

The full article is available here .

Native Title Authorisation Meeting Chepara & Wangerriburra People

 Native Title Authorisation Meeting 18 June 2017 Chepara & Wangerriburra People

Chepara People

Yuggara / Yugarapul language of the coastal (Chepara) Moreton mainland water catchment basins including Pine Rivers, lower to mid Brisbane River, Bremer River & Logan River

The Chepara People may comprise of those people who are descended from the following ancestors:

Regional Chepara (“C”) - Areas “C-NE” & “C-SW”

• Bungaree/Sandy ancestors in particular:

o John/Jack Bungaree/Sandy and wife Mary Ann Sandy nee Mitchell;

o Alexander Sandy and wife Paimba/Mary Ann Mitchell;

o Kerwalli/ Gairballie/King Sandy;

o Sandy and wife Nancy (in particular Jeel bungbin/ Mrs Lizzie Mitchell nee Sandy);

o Lizzie Sandy (in particular her son William/Billy Brown);

and

Chepara North East area (“C-NE”) - Lower river water catchment basins 3

• Bilinba/King Jackey Jackey/King Jacky and three wivesNellie, Mary and third wife Sarah, who was related to brother-in-law Minnippi Rawlings, King of Tingalpa (in particular his grand daughter Lily Williams who married Lindsay Sandy);

• Queen Kitty Delaney (the wife of Menvil Wanmaurn/Jackie Delaney of the Pine Rivers in particular daughter Topsy/Goongarnjin who married William/Billy Brown).

and

Chepara South West area (“C-SW”) - Upper river water catchments basins

• Moolpajo/King Toby and wife Maria (in particular daughters Bunjoey/Susan & Maggie, the mother/s of Peter Long);

• Giddeel Bean /Jerry Ben and wife Boonjeen/Annie (in particular daughter Sarah Ben’s children Doon-be-an/Robert Logan and Jane Logan/Boyd);

• Naygir/Williams (in particular William and Emily Williams grand daughter Lily Williams who married Lindsay Sandy);

• Yarry (in particular his son Fred Yarry).

Separate Claim Area: Quandamooka Coast Claim (NNTT QC2017/004) mainland area overlap including parts of Tingalpa Creek – Refer to Attachment C Map on NNTT website

Chepara Peoples

Yugambeh & Yugarapul languages Migun Burra (Christmas Creek) & Beaudesert (Derraranbull/Mununjali) - area “C-SW2”

The Chepara Peoples may comprise of those people who are descended from the following ancestors:

• Bungaree/Sandy ancestors in particular:

o John/Jack Bungaree/Sandy and wife Mary Ann Sandy nee Mitchell;

o Alexander Sandy and wife Paimba/Mary Ann Mitchell;

o Sandy and wife Nancy (in particular Jeel bungbin/ Mrs Lizzie Mitchell nee Sandy);

o Lizzie Sandy (in particular her son William/Billy Brown);

• Moolpajo/King Toby and wife Maria (in particular daughters Bunjoey/Susan & Maggie, the mother/s of Peter Long);

• Giddeel Bean /Jerry Ben and wife Boonjeen/Annie (in particular daughter Sarah Ben’s children Doon-be-an/Robert Logan and Jane Logan/Boyd);

• Naygir/Williams (in particular William and Emily Williams grand daughter Lily Williams who married Lindsay Sandy);

• Bilinba/King Jackey Jackey/King Jacky and first wife Nellie (in particular his grand daughter Lily Williams who married Lindsay Sandy);

• Yarry (in particular his son Fred Yarry);

• Boonbeal/Culham/Coolum (in particular Lena Culham, Maud Brown nee Culham, Joe Culham/Coolum & Lucy Coolwell nee Culham);

• Joseph/Joe Coolwell (the son of Jenny and Coolwell) and Polly Allen/Dalton (in particular Eva, Edward, Rose, Campbell, Michael & Andrew).

Wangerriburra People

Yugambeh language of the Wangerr Burra (mid Albert River & Upper Coomera River - area “W”) water catchment basins

The Wangerriburra People may comprise of those people who are descended from the following ancestors:

• Boonbeal/Culham/Coolum (in particular Lena Culham, Maud Brown nee Culham, Joe Culham/Coolum & Lucy Coolwell nee Culham);

• Joseph/Joe Coolwell (the son of Jenny and Coolwell) and Polly Allen/Dalton (in particular Eva, Edward, Rose, Campbell, Michael & Andrew)

Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners ILUA

 Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners ILUA - Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

The Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners are tthe descendants of one or more of the following people :

Maggie Cadenti/Cadente/Cantidi: “Maggie”
George Parson
Albert Williams
Ngimburum
Kaloma-kuta/Galmaguda/Haloma-kuta/Kal-ma-kuta
Willie Kina
Susan Andy
Jacky Ball (or Baul)
Maggie Cain/Caine
James Crow/Crowe
Maggie Palmer
Emma Dunne
William/Billy Glenbar
Annie Laurie
May Burnett
Tuppernywoe/”King” Tommy of Noosa
Dundalli
Sarah Di:naba Moreton
Marian/Mary Ann Thompson
Towcha

(b) Who identify as and are recognised as members of the Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners in accordance with the system of traditional laws and customs.

Appeared in the Courier Mail dated March 5, 2022

Gangali Narra Widi Aboriginal Corporation ILUA Meeting

 Gangali Narra Widi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC ICN 8363 Notice of Indigenous Land Use Agreement Meetings.

"The Gangali Narra Widi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC ICN 8363 (GNC) holds the native title as the agent for the Widi common law native title holders and has been negotiating an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA), Project Agreement and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (Agreements) in relation to the BHP Mitsui Coal Pty Ltd (BMC) South Walker Mine. The proposed ILUA Agreement Area (see map below) includes BMCs existing mining interests including; ML 4750, ML 4751, MDL 235, EPC 1647, EPC 2071 and EPC 2109. GNC and BMC have reached in principle agreement and in accordance with the Native Title (Prescribed Bodies Corporate) Regulations 1999 (Cth) GNC is required to conduct consent and consultation meetings with the Widi Common Law Native Title Holders."

The Widi Common Law Native Title Holders are those persons who are descended from one or more of the apical ancestors listed in the Widi#2 people’s native title determination, being:

Jean White, mother of Albert Butterworth;

Mr Clark (‘of Suttor Station’) & Jinny (of ‘Stockton Station’), whose known children are Charlie Clark and Dick Clark;

Jinny (of ‘Stockton Station), whose known child (with Mr Watson) is Charlie Watson;

Siblings Tommy Emmerson/Iffley and Arthur Emmerson;

Roger (‘of Nebo district’), whose known child is Emily Rogers;

Neddy Thorney, whose known child is Sarah Mate Mate nee Thorney/Sauney;

Sophie (‘of Nebo’), whose known children are Jack Skeen, William Skeen, Norman Skeen, Elsie Skeen and Mary Skeen; (h) Dick (‘of Nebo’), whose known child is Sam Murray;

Billy (‘of Nebo’) & Molly (of ‘Oxford Downs Station’), whose known children are Jessie and Billy Sullivan;

Harry Monsell Snr (‘of Lake Elphinstone’) whose known children are Lily Sullivan, Flora Doyle and Harry Monsell Jnr;

King (‘of Fort Cooper’) & Meg (‘of Fort Cooper’), whose known children are Johnny, Mick, Mitchell Dalton, Paddy, Emma and Annie;

Ida, whose known child is Rene Hess (‘from Nebo’);

Maggie, whose known children are Norman Brown Snr, George ‘Duke’ Barker and Ina Darwin.

Appeared in the Courier Mail dated March 5, 2022

Reconceptualising a Quandamooka Storyweave of language reclamation

 The following article has been retracted because of widespread plagiarism.

Reconceptualising a Quandamooka Storyweave of language reclamation

Sandra Delaney, Gian Luca Casali & Henk Huijser

International Journal of Cultural Studies 2021

The Abstract states 

"This article outlines a complex, vibrant, interweaving of language as a decolonising practice through creative outcomes. I will summarise how the Quandamooka tradition of weaving served as a theoretical framework for the reclamation of Jandai language. Shaped by a paradigm of language reclamation, it describes a Quandamooka worldview which is based on the connection Quandamooka people have with our Ancestors and our Country. The article identifies the integration of local ways of thinking and doing as a framework for the Quandamooka Storyweave, which was created to be more culturally relevant for the Elder participants, allowing them to share their stories and knowledge in more meaningful and culturally affirming ways. Lastly, the role of how the Quandamooka Storyweave, based on the symbolism of the fibre practices of our Ancestors, the Quandamooka Grannies and Grandfathers, is applied to support the reclamation of Jandai language through visual stories is discussed."

Full details are available here.