Of Turtles in Particular: a Distributional Study of an Archaeological Landscape in Southern Burrup

Abstract

An audit of rock art and other archaeological sites was undertaken of a limited area of the Pilbara Iron lease, on the Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia. An analysis of the finds found that occupation was focused on two rich resource areas, foreshore and inland waterholes. Rock art, however, was found throughout the area but was more concentrated around the inland waterholes, with secondary concentrations on the foreshore but not in association with the coastal midden. Examination of the variation of one particular motif, turtles, showed that while reflecting the pattern of overall motif concentrations, particular patterned forms did not occur over the whole area. One interpretation of the distribution could be that individual patterns were produced (or owned) by particular groups or persons. It is also possible that the stylistic forms reflect chronological phases in the production of rock art.