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First Nations Aboriginal Ring Trees in New South Wales—Establishing a Cultural Context and Basic Archaeological Recording Typology

Bibliographic Data

ID6038219
AuthorsHannah Morris (0009-0003-2645-4473, Ring Tree Research Project Australia), Talei Holm (Umwelt Australia, Sydney, Australia | Ring Tree Research Project, Australia | Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia), Thomas R Holm (0000-0002-8987-0808, Flinders University), Norma Freeman (Young Local Aboriginal Land Council Young Australia), Natasha Freeman (0000-0001-8149-7888, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia), Timothy Owens (0000-0001-5759-4012, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia | GML Heritage Sydney Australia)
Year2025
Volume60
Issue2
Pages156-175
Publication date2025-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueArchaeology in Oceania/Archæology & physical anthropology in Oceania (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0728-4896 • E-ISSN: 1834-4453
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/arco.70003
OpenAlexW4411778399
LanguageEN
References cited16

This paper examines ring trees—a type of culturally modified tree, intentionally created by Australian First Nations Aboriginal peoples by manipulating tree growth to form permanent loops (rings) within the structure. Historically, this site type has been underrepresented and underappreciated by academics and archaeologists. Investigations into ring trees, however, are vital for ensuring their recognition and protection, and can allow Aboriginal community members to (re)connect with traditions, culture and place. Drawing on collaborative research with Wiradjuri and Dharawal Knowledge Holders in southeastern Australia, we propose a methodological framework for identifying and recording ring trees that integrates scientific documentation with Aboriginal cultural knowledge. This paper presents an approach that others engaging with ring trees can take forward and apply to their own specific contexts and needs

Archaeology · Context (archaeology · Documentation · Geography · Ring (chemistry · Sociology · Tree (set theory · Typology · Anthropology · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Computer Science · History · Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies

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Highly citedNo

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