Changing Perspectives in Australian Archaeology. Preface
Abstract
This volume showcases recent research that makes significant contributions toward changing perspectives and methods in Australian archaeology. The detailed case studies present innovative approaches to the interpretation of site formation processes, stone tools, land-use, as well as plant and fish remains that lead to important new interpretations of Aboriginal history. The Australian Museum has been involved in the study of the history of the Aboriginal people of New South Wales for over 150 years, since George French Angas (1858) recorded rock art in the Sydney area. Most recently, Principal Research Scientist Valerie Attenbrow has made substantial contributions to understanding Aboriginal history in the Sydney basin (Attenbrow, 2002, 2004). This collection of papers is dedicated to this highly innovative Australian Museum researcher because she has had a major impact in all the areas of Australian archaeology that are highlighted in the papers included here. Prior to her appointment to the Australian Museum in 1989, Val Attenbrow gained valuable experience as a private archaeological consultant, and within the public sector in the former National Parks and Wildlife Service of NSW. Her high standing in the discipline is reflected in her appointment as a life-member of The Australian Archaeological Association in 2002, and her election to The Australian Academy of the Humanities in 2009. …
