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Students

Students interested in pursuing research opportunities should click here for further information

PhD Candidates

 

Jill Huntley Archaeology(PhD) jford5@une.edu.au My project is a program of archaeometric research examining information from past cultural traditions via the scientific analysis of pigments used to create the rich rock art assemblage of the north-western Kimberley region, Western Australia. My research is looking at the behavioural implications of pigment composition, paint recipes, pigment application techniques and pigment procurement through space and time. My research uses recently developed in situ analyses such as field portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy and field portable Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with complementary laboratory techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Micro Computed Tomography to provide comprehensive compositional and structural data. Field portable in situ analyses will allow my research to address questions unencumbered by the necessity of destructive sampling and destructive or composition altering analytic methods. This project will therefore contribute new knowledge about physical properties of rock art pigments from the Kimberley; new knowledge about the in situ archaeological application of field portable scientific techniques and new knowledge about the integration of in situ and laboratory based analyses. The revolution of my research will be an ability to address targeted archaeological research questions which will concentrate on the social context of rock art production rather than having to rely on opportunistic sample selection. My research focuses on three themes: 1. Evidence for the Social Context of Rock Art Production; 2. Evidence for Cross Cultural Contact; and 3. Contributing to the development of a more robust chronology for the archaeological record of the Kimberley generally and the rock art assemblage of the Kimberley particularly.	Meg Travers Archaeology(PhD) mtravers@une.edu.au What can Clothes Peg Figures tell us about change and continuity in the North-west Kimberley? This project will investigate relationships between change and continuity in the North Kimberley region of Western Australia with specific reference to the ‘Clothes Peg Figure’ (CPF) Period of the rock art assemblage. This research will examine artistic conventions and the context of production in order to develop a clearer understanding of the social and environmental conditions that led to the demise of the Gwion period rock art, and the introduction of the Clawed Hand period. As part of this process, this research will aim to examine how the CPF Period can contribute to our understanding of identifiable technological development within the North Kimberley. This project is part of the ARC Linkage Project ‘Change and Continuity: chronology, archaeology and art in the North Kimberley, northwest Australia’. Chief Investigators: Professor Mike Morwood (UNE), Associate Professor June Ross (UNE) and Dr Kirra Westaway (Macquarie University).
Jill Huntley Archaeology	Meg Travers Archaeology	Darren Mitchell Archaeology

Masters Candidates

Nicola Forster Archaeology(MSc) nforste2@une.edu.au Portable x-ray fluorescence (PXRF) is capable of non-destructive analysis of archaeological artefacts, offering considerable benefits for provenance and artefact characterisation studies. As yet, however, in situ analysis has been largely limited to materials with uniform matrices, such as obsidian. In this study, I am developing methodology for non-destructive PXRF analysis of aluminosilicate matrices, such as ceramics and stone artefacts, which are typically heterogeneous. In particular, I will assess the potential for PXRF-generated data to be used in determining the depth of surface coatings of aluminosilicates with high precision. Fluorescent intensity can be correlated to known coating depth, taking into account a complex interplay of factors including critical depth variation with changing chemical composition and attenuation of fluorescent x-rays. The established model will be validated using lead-glazed ceramics and rocks coated with a desert varnish.	Helen Wright Archaeology(MSc) hwright2@une.edu.au Through geochemical analysis of individual lithic artefacts, it may be possible for the raw material to be sourced to a specific location with a large degree of confidence. Where such a spatial link can be demonstrated (source to discard), much information may be gleaned about the complexity of exchange systems (as indicated by the range and density of artefact distribution). It may also be possible to pose further research questions about the perceived value of certain raw materials, (for example, preferential, function-specific selection of one lithic type and source). My proposed research project would involve using portable X-ray fluorescence analysis to determine the geochemical profile of ground-edge stone axes, curated at the Queensland Museum. If any of the source locations of those artefacts can then be located, it may be possible to contribute new evidence to our understanding of the complexities of exchange relationships between Aboriginal groups within Queensland and northern NSW. My research would also form part of a broader PXRF study of stone artefacts which is being headed by Dr Peter Grave of UNE and Dr Val Attenbrow of the Australian Museum.
Nicola Forster Archaeology (MSc)	Helen Wright Archaeology (MSc)	Richard Wolfe Archaeology	Kim Newman Archaeology (MSc)
	Deb Holt Archaeology(MA) dholt3@une.edu.au Man or Woman? Defining and Assigning Gender in the Rock Art of the Kimberley The aim of this investigation is to consider the implications of the differing ratios between male, female, ambiguous and other gendered motifs depicted within the abundant rock art shelters of the North Kimberley region of Western Australia. The literature so far has suggested a largely androcentric social order even though recent data indicates the greater majority of the motifs display no genitalia. Several features and gestures, commonly used throughout the world, have been identified as markers for differentiating genders particularly in the earlier Irregular Infill Animal and Gwion rock art periods. Similarly, these identifiers combined with the use of ethno-history will be used for investigating the more recent Wandjina rock art period. Cultures are constantly evolving, particularly in response to environmental fluctuations, but also as a consequence of time. Therefore, the research window for the periods studied, at least 40,000 years, suggests that rock art has recorded cultural evolution and accompanying social adaptations. It is proposed that an investigation into the different periods of Kimberley rock art with a focus on gender will deliver a clearer understanding of these social adaptations and of the way people lived within the varied environments over time.
Di England Archaeology (MA)	Deb Holt Archaeology (MA)

Honours Candidates

Maria Raiti Archaeology	Denise Hope Archaeology	Yinika Perston Archaeology

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Published: 16th Feb 2012 © UNE – Disclaimer | Privacy | Feedback | Contact Humanities
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