Stones, stories and ceremonies: A Gamilaraay, Arrernte, Luritja, Pitjantatjarra, Yankuntjatjarra perspective

Abstract

Cylcons are common in Australia, reported in early accounts (e.g., by Etheridge, McCarthy) as spiritually important for Aboriginal people, but where are the Indigenous perspectives on these important stones? Here we provide two stories about our engagement with these objects and then look at an archaeological excavation that allowed culture and science to come together helping us to interpret these stones.

Archaeology of powerful stones in the Australia‐Pacific region: an Introduction

“…Unquestionably the case for this special issue, features and artefacts are shown to possess complex life histories with their significance continuing into the present (e.g., Ballard;Brennan and Wickman;Thomas et al 2023). Perhaps most dramatic in this regard is the discovery by an all-Aboriginal archaeological field team of a cylcon (a cylindroconical stone artifact made by First Nations Australians) processing site as reported by Brennan and Wickman (2023).…”

“…Two of the five papers in this Special Issue concern Australia, two are about the Pacific and a single paper relates to the Torres Strait interface zone connecting these regions. The ratio of First Nations to non‐Indigenous authors (9:11) echoes content, and to an extent form, with one paper adopting a non‐traditional, narrative format (Brennan and Wickman, 2023). Papers cover a considerable amount of territory and include:…”

“…2023). Perhaps most dramatic in this regard is the discovery by an all‐Aboriginal archaeological field team of a cylcon (a cylindroconical stone artifact made by First Nations Australians) processing site as reported by Brennan and Wickman (2023).…”

“…This is despite compelling studies in which multiple epistemologies co-exist comfortably and with First Nations perspectives providing fascinating insights into animate cultural heritage (David et al, 2004;McIntyre-Tamwoy & Harrison, 2004;Ross, 2008;Thomas 2 Archaeology of powerful stones in the Australia-Pacific region: an Introduction & Ross, 2013). Unquestionably the case for this special issue, features and artefacts are shown to possess complex life histories with their significance continuing into the present (e.g., Ballard;Brennan and Wickman;Thomas et al 2023). Perhaps most dramatic in this regard is the discovery by an all-Aboriginal archaeological field team of a cylcon (a cylindroconical stone artifact made by First Nations Australians) processing site as reported by Brennan and Wickman (2023).…”