New research conducted by Flinders University and the University of South Australia, in partnership with the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation, has unveiled significant findings about the ancient Aboriginal history on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, also known as Guuranda. The research, which explores over 8,000 years of Narungga heritage, reveals the deep connection between the Narungga people and their Sea Country, offering a window into how their ancestors adapted to changing environments over millennia.
This study is centered on the use of radiocarbon dating methods to analyze marine shells and other materials from seven distinct archaeological sites located on the peninsula. Four of these sites were situated on the mainland at Point Pearce Peninsula, referred to as Burgiyana, while the remaining three were located on Wardang Island, known as Waraldi. These shells, remnants of meals consumed by the Narungga ancestors, are invaluable in revealing the ways in which the Narungga people utilized their coastal and marine resources, and how these practices evolved over thousands of years.
The research paper, titled Burgiyana and Waraldi: A Radiocarbon Chronology for a Selection of Coastal and Island Archaeological Sites on Yorke Peninsula/Guuranda, South Australia, authored by A. Roberts, A. Mollenmans, L-I. Rigney, along with the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation, has been published in The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology. This work represents a major contribution to understanding the history of Aboriginal communities in the region, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry.
Flinders University archaeologist and Ph.D. candidate Adrian Mollenmans explains that the study captures a long period of change, spanning from the time when Wardang Island was still connected to the mainland, through to the period after the sea levels rose following the Last Glacial Maximum. The rise in sea levels is a pivotal moment in the history of the region, as it transformed the landscape, creating new coastlines and islands, which shaped the lives of the Narungga people.
Professor Amy Roberts, also from Flinders University, emphasizes that the radiocarbon dates not only provide a historical record of the past but also reveal the profound challenges faced by the Narungga ancestors as parts of their country were inundated by rising seas. The flooding of coastal areas and the creation of new islands would have forced the Narungga people to adapt their practices and ways of life to the changing environment. This ongoing transformation of their Sea Country is reflected in the archaeological record, where gaps can be seen during periods of environmental change, such as sea-level rise and later periods of drying.
Professor Lester-Irabinna Rigney, a distinguished Narungga scholar from the University of South Australia, adds another layer of understanding by highlighting the oral histories passed down through generations. These stories, told by the Elders, recount the rise in sea levels and the creation of gulfs and islands, preserving the Narungga people’s connection to the land and sea. One such story involves the “Old People” swimming to Wardang Island to collect penguin eggs, fish, and engage in other cultural practices. This feat required immense skill, knowledge, and an intimate understanding of the region’s waters and tides, underscoring the deep cultural and practical knowledge passed down through the generations.
This new research also extends to more recent history, documenting the period following European invasion and settlement. These later dates in the radiocarbon chronology show how the Narungga people continued their connection to the land and sea, despite the disruptions caused by European colonization. The research paints a picture of an enduring relationship between the Narungga people and their environment, reflecting their resilience and adaptability in the face of external challenges.
The study also highlights a crucial lesson about the dramatic effects of sea-level rise, which continue to pose a threat to coastal and island communities around the world. Professor Rigney notes that the research serves as a reminder of humanity’s responsibility to care for the environment, not only for the benefit of current generations but also for those that will come after. By studying the impacts of environmental change on the Narungga ancestors, the research encourages a deeper understanding of how indigenous communities have managed and cared for their land and resources for thousands of years, providing valuable insights into sustainable environmental stewardship.
This collaboration between universities and Aboriginal organizations marks a significant step in the ongoing process of reconciling traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches. It underscores the importance of community-based research that honors the contributions of Indigenous people to the understanding of history, culture, and environmental change. The research also challenges the traditional Western approach to archaeology, which has often overlooked or marginalized Indigenous perspectives, instead offering a more inclusive and holistic approach to the study of the past.
More information: Amy Roberts et al, Burgiyana and Waraldi: A radiocarbon chronology for a selection of coastal and island archaeological sites on Yorke Peninsula/Guuranda, South Australia, The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/15564894.2024.2419951