Didthul, Bhundoo, Gulaga and Wadbilliga : an archaeological study of the Aboriginals of the New South Wales South Coast hinterland

Abstract

The hinterland of the NSW South Coast has long been considered a cultural heritage backwater in comparison to the adjacent coastal strip. While the coast has been the focus of intensive archaeological research for several decades, the forested hills, mountains and plateaux between the coastline and the tablelands have only been investigated by a small number of archaeologists. Paradoxically, many coastal researchers developed models of hinterland Aboriginal occupation without conducting any field research there. Before commencement of the research program described here, only two excavations had been completed in the South Coast hinterland, compared to over 20 on the adjacent coast. The research described in this thesis was developed to provide more balance between coastal and hinterland archaeological knowledge. The research program includes reviews of previous work, existing site distribution data and ethnohistoric records. An extensive fieldwork program of survey, excavation and artefact collection was also completed. The materials and data obtained in the field were subjected to a wide range of laboratory and computer analyses. An extensive radiocarbon dating program was also undertaken. The results discussed in the first nine chapters have been interpreted and synthesised in the final chapter to provide a preliminary prehistory of the South Coast hinterland. Some of the major results have led to a revision of many previously represented hypotheses, but others have withstood rigorous testing. The research has demonstrated that hinterland Aboriginal occupation was extensive and wide ranging, was probably not seasonal and has a late Pleistocene antiquity. The results also indicate that the intensity of hinterland occupation fluctuated geographically and temporarily, possibly in relation to environmental change, local resource abundance, spiritual associations and as a result of Aboriginal economic and subsistence strategies. The work has allowed the identification of preferred resource exploitation and inhabitation zones within the hinterland, which range from the Pleistocene preference for well watered and protected locations to a Holocene focus on highly biodiverse hinterland valley woodlands. The strategies used to exploit such environments have also been discussed. The research has shown that, although exchange networks were largely restricted to within the hinterland, the Aboriginal occupants had extensive social and ritual networks which linked them with coastal areas to the north, south and east and with the tablelands to the west. Overall the research presented here indicates that Aboriginal people have successfully inhabited and exploited a diverse range of hinterland environments over many millennia. The descendents of those original inhabitants still maintain strong connections with the hinterland’s unique cultural heritage.