'Rock paintings are stories': rock art and ethnography in the Laura (Quinkan) region, Cape York Peninsula

Cole, Noelene (2011) 'Rock paintings are stories': rock art and ethnography in the Laura (Quinkan) region, Cape York Peninsula. Rock Art Research, 28 (1). pp. 107-116.

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Abstract

In the 1960s Percy Trezise integrated his rock art research in the Laura region, Cape York Peninsula, with recording Indigenous cultural knowledge and life stories. Since then, archaeologists have been reluctant to make use of this ethnographic information. This paper explores the issue in the light of current models of Aboriginal society and history for southern Cape York Peninsula. When viewed in these contexts the authenticity of Trezise's ethnohistoric and ethnographic records is validated. Gaps and ambiguities in the Trezise records may result from cross-cultural issues and the deeply esoteric nature of Aboriginal art and its connection to ancestral law. The judicious use of ethnography is recommended as a complementary method in Laura rock art studies. Trezise's primary records may provide further clarity.


Item ID:	32439
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	0813-0426
Keywords:	Percy Trezise, Cape York Peninsula, ethnography, cultural system, rock art, Aboriginal
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2014 05:54
FoR Codes:	21 HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY > 2101 Archaeology > 210101 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Archaeology @ 100%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9503 Heritage > 950302 Conserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage @ 50% 95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9505 Understanding Past Societies > 950503 Understanding Australias Past @ 50%
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