Channel country, wooden swords and new links in the Chain of Connection in Mithaka Country, southwest Queensland, Australia
Abstract
During an ongoing multi-disciplinary research project undertaken in collaboration with the Mithaka People in southwest Queensland, Australia, a collection of wooden artefacts came to light. This presentation will focus on two sword-like artefacts that were part of the collection, and discusses what they might be and where they may have originated.
Exchange/trade routes criss-crossed Aboriginal Australia, forming a “Chain of Connection” that linked Aboriginal people across thousands of square kilometres. Bedourie southwestern Queensland, Australia is near the centre of the extensive north-south Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Basin trade network. This presentation assesses two sword-like wooden artefacts collected from Kings Creek, south of Bedourie, and explores what they are and how they may have come to be found in southwestern Queensland.
About the Presenters
Dr. Phillip J. Habgood
Dr. Phil Habgood is an archaeologist and paleoanthropologist with extensive research and fieldwork experience in Australia, the Middle East and Europe, especially Spain. He has an ongoing research interest in the origin of modern humans and Australian archaeology. Phil has worked as a cultural heritage consultant and technical advisor for many Aboriginal Traditional Owner groups across Queensland. Phil is an Honorary Senior Fellow within the School of Social Science, University of Queensland and taught a Human Evolution course for many years.
About Archaeology Working Papers
The Working Papers in Archaeology seminar series provides a forum for dissemination of archaeological research and ideas amongst UQ archaeology students and staff. All students are invited to attend the series and postgraduate students, from honours upwards, are invited to present their research. The aim is to provide opportunities for students, staff and those from outside UQ, to present and discuss their work in an informal environment. It is hoped that anyone interested in current archaeological directions, both within and outside the School and University, will be able to attend and contribute to the series.
