Madjedbebe: Evidence of 65,000 Years of Aboriginal Occupation

20 July 2017

A landmark in archaeological understanding

On 20 July 2017, the University of Queensland announced research reporting evidence of Aboriginal occupation at Madjedbebe around 65,000 years ago. This entry uses that Australian announcement date.

The paper appeared online in Nature on 19 July 2017, with the journal issue dated 20 July. These are publication milestones. They do not identify a single day on which the site or its entire history was first discovered.

Mirarr Country and a research partnership

Madjedbebe is a rock shelter on Mirarr Country in the Northern Territory, surrounded by Kakadu National Park. The research was undertaken in partnership with the Mirarr Traditional Owners and the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation.

Excavations in 2012 and 2015, together with dating and analysis, informed the 2017 findings. The published study used optical dating of sediments associated with artefacts and reported occupation beginning around 65,000 years ago.

The evidence included grinding stones, ochre and ground-edge axe technology. These materials offer insight into skilled work and cultural practices as well as the antiquity of occupation.

The Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation explains that a research agreement gave Mirarr people control over access, excavation and the findings. Recognition should include that authority alongside the archaeologists and dating specialists.

Deep history and continuing custodianship

The finding extended archaeological evidence about the duration of occupation. It should not be described as the beginning of Aboriginal history or as science granting legitimacy to Mirarr connection to Country.

An age estimate is a scientific finding with methods and uncertainties, rather than a precise calendar date for the arrival of all Aboriginal peoples. Use the study’s wording, around 65,000 years, and identify the site to which it relates.

For a learning activity, explore how artefacts, sediments and different dating methods contribute to an interpretation. Read the Traditional Owners’ account alongside the research paper and ask how respectful research partnerships shape both the work and its communication.

Madjedbebe remains part of living Country. Heritage recognition includes the responsibilities and rights of its custodians, rather than treating the place only as an excavation or a number in a timeline.

Sources and further reading

• Australian research announcement, 20 July 2017 — University of Queensland
• Human occupation of northern Australia by 65,000 years ago — Clarkson and colleagues, Nature (2017)
• Madjedbebe and the Mirarr research partnership — Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation

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