The joint Australian–Indonesian archaeological expedition to South Sulawesi in 1969 in context

Abstract

The original impetus for the joint Australian–Indonesian archaeological expedition that visited South Sulawesi in July and August 1969 can be traced to the beginning of the 20th century, but its more immediate background lay in a particular conjunction of personal, intellectual, political and security factors in both Indonesia and Australia. The opportunity to apply radiocarbon dating and an interest in stone tool typology were important aspects of the archaeological work itself. The expedition was highly successful in terms of its objectives and the archaeological data it recovered has continued to attract attention even as research interests have shifted to new questions. Participation in the work of the expedition also opened up opportunities in unexpected areas, which some of those associated with the expedition’s activities have followed up in subsequent years. The conduct of the expedition established a precedent for collaboration between local, national and foreign researchers, which has been particularly happy and productive.