Connections, Transactions and Rock Art within and beyond the Wet Tropics of North Queensland

Aboriginal people's connections within the Wet Tropics of Queensland were not limited to its rainforest boundaries, contrary to popular belief. This study reveals that rock art motifs, such as decorated shields and painted anthropomorphs/zoomorphs, suggest cultural exchanges extending beyond the region, challenging the notion of the rainforest as a distinct 'cultural zone.' Researchers analyzed rock art assemblages in the Wet Tropics and compared them with those from other North Queensland regions, identifying similarities that imply multifaceted interactions. The study also highlights how the proclamation of the Wet Tropics as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has shaped non-Aboriginal perceptions, potentially oversimplifying Aboriginal historical connections.

Buhrich, A., Goldfinch, F., & Greer, S. (2016). Connections, Transactions and Rock Art within and beyond the Wet Tropics of North Queensland. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum - Culture, 10, 23–42. https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2205-3239.10.2016-03