FRONTIER CONFLICT ALONG THE CENTRAL-MURRAY RIVER IN SOUTH AUSTALIA: A SPATIAL RECONSTRUCTION APPROACH TO THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF CONFLICT

Summary

The visibility of conflict in the archaeological record is often limited, especially when associated with the Australian frontier. As such, a holistic approach is proposed as a means to identify conflict and address the question: to what degree is the nature of conflict between Aboriginal groups and European settlers between 1830 and 1900 visible in the historical and archaeological record of the Central River Murray, South Australia? This approach applies methods from multiple disciplines and incorporates archival, archaeological and geographical methods. Archival data and primary sources are used to identify areas of interaction amongst European and Aboriginal groups. These locations are analyzed spatially to identify and interpret patterns and trends; thus transforming the study area into a dynamic landscape rather than sites independent of each other. The spatial analysis, paired with an assessment of ground disturbance, enables an evaluation of archaeological sensitivity—specifically, identifying areas associated with conflict. It is theorized that these locations may have a visible archaeological signature that can be investigated in future research. Ultimately, the identified potential will enhance the understanding of cultural ‘contact’, especially within South Australia. Furthermore, the holistic approach has global applications; therefore, it provides a template for other conflict archaeology studies.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage