2011 Field School

The Rock Art Field School for 2011 is set to run June 6 - 14th! This year Melissa Marshall (nee Johnson) will be joining us again as well as Noel Hidalgo Tan who is studying Cambodian Rock Art for his PhD.

Australian Heritage magazine

For more information on the work Dr Sally May is doing in Arnhem land the Summer 2008 edition of the Australian Heritage magazine has a great article.

Australian Archaeological Association Conference Dec. 2008

Conference presentation 4 December 2008:

Title: 'Exploring the relationships between Indigenous Australian communities and visitors to the north Australian coastline through painted depictions on rock' by Daryl Guse, Sally K. May, & Paul S.C. Taçon.

Abstract: This paper presents findings from recent archaeological fieldwork to record rock paintings near to Waminari Bay in Arnhem Land, Australia. Waminari Bay is located approximately 90 kilometres north of the township of Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) in northern Australia and sits on the main coastline opposite Goulburn Island. Its geographic position as a sheltered bay, and its natural environment with an abundance of trepang, made it an ideal location for trade and exchange with foreign visitors. Rock paintings and other evidence located in close proximity to the shelters provide unique evidence of these relationships including the nature of watercraft used by the visitors, weaponry, and buildings erected as part of their visits.

Rock Art School 2008

The Rock Art Field School at Gunbalanya is a unique opportunity to connect with a living cultural tradition that informs the life of many of the people who live in northern Australia. The tradition of rock painting has been practiced for centuries as a medium for expression, recording and teaching all over the world, but in Gunbalanya the tradition continues in the artists who still paint the stories of their culture, not on the rock cave walls anymore but on bark, canvas and paper.

This was the aspect of the Rock Art School that resonated the most in my mind. It is not difficult to find rock paintings in many parts of Australia, but to be with the custodians of the paintings, guided around the galleries by contemporary artists, and being given insights and explanations about the images (just enough for a white urban brain to absorb) was a privilege that made the experience special. Injalak Hill houses the rock art, and Injalak Art Centre is the home of the artists, and together the presence of mischievous Mimi Spirits, Yawk Yawk water sprits, weather spirits, crocodile, kangaroo and other totems become reality in the images and words of the Gunbalanya artists.

A team spirit was generated amongst all members of the rock art school, including the students, tutors, and extended family, through the experience of living and traveling together, interaction with the local community, and experience of the arts. As well as studying rock art we also learnt about: the use of traditional locally sourced materials for art and crafts; acceptance of the concept of Arnhem Land time (don’t be in too much of a hurry); an appreciation of the fruits of the land (or river and sea at least, thanks to the hunters in the group) with fresh barramundi and mud crab; an understanding of difference (vegetarians and carnivores, young and not so young, can live together); and an appreciation of the industrious nature of our tutors. Thanks Sally, Mel, and Ines for your input, and thanks to the rest of the group for your good humour, tolerance, and sense of cooperation that made Rock Art School 2008 a memorable experience.

John Hayward

Rock Art Field School

When I embarked on my archaeology degree my main interests were in the use and development of technology of the past, and the development of technology used in archaeology today. Furthest from my mind was the study of Indigenous Archaeology, let alone any interest in rock art. However, I am a firm believer in experiencing new things and so when the opportunity came to join the Rock Art Field School in 2007 it was an opportunity not to be missed. The adventure did not disappoint. Not only was I exposed to some of the most significant rock art in the world, but also the people, culture and community behind these magnificent works. I was able to pursue my own particular interests in studying the artefacts, food sources and processes, and therefore the technology, behind the culture and the creation of these works of art. Since returning from the field school I have directed a significant portion of my studies towards Indigenous technology and the association with life ways and cultural practices. This had led me to work with members of the Adnyamathanha community and explore opportunities with other Indigenous groups in Australia, Chile and Papua New Guinea. I thoroughly recommend participation in this field school as the experience is mind blowing. If your interest extends to ethnography, sustainability, climate impact, conservation, archaeology, anthropology and, of course, rock art then this field school cannot be missed. Sally and Mel’s knowledge and experience in the area make the learning experience exciting, and Bunya’s keen eye for slithery wildlife is very much appreciated.

Field School 2008.

Waminari Update

National Geographic article on our work at Waminari, Arnhem Land in 2008.