Rock Art Conservation and Management: 21st Century Perspectives from Northern Australia

• Main Author: Marshall, Melissa
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1885/204736; https://doi.org/10.25911/5f969812a2f22; https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/204736/3/MMarshall-PhD%20dissertation_2020.pdf.jpg

Protection of what is arguably one of our nation's greatest assets - the imagery, stories and places associated with this country's First Nations rock art - is one of the considerable challenges facing Traditional Owners, rock art researchers and heritage practitioners today. The protection of many rock art sites is at a crisis point due to massive global changes which include: population increases and associated expansion to isolated places; elevating resource requirements in mining, agriculture and urban development sectors; Internet information exchange; and, environmental pressures linked to climate change. Diverse challenges to look after this precious resource are presenting in ways not previously experienced or predicted. Key research questions initially posed and investigated through this research related to: the identification of contemporary pressures on rock art sites and managers; examining the varying human motivations to protect and preserve cultural heritage; as well as, what was historically, is, and ideally should be, the role of archaeology in the conservation of sites. Consideration was also given to the identification of actual and perceived negative impacts at sites; methods to manage these, assisting with long-term preservation and protection programs; and mechanisms required to support all stakeholders in their efforts. Interestingly, what emerged during the course of the research was the importance first and foremost of identifying whose responsibility it is to determine, monitor, maintain and manage conservation activities. Should this be Indigenous communities themselves, or conservation scientists and heritage practitioners, or alternatively the governments and heritage bodies responsible for 'safe-keeping for humanity' this global treasure that we know as 'rock art'? Sites for this investigation were chosen across Northern Australia and included Kakadu National Park, Mirarr Country in the Jabiluka Lease Area, in and around the community of Gunbalanya in Arnhem Land, as well as the ...