The WA Chapter of the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists Inc. (AACAI WA) are excited to host a National Archaeology Week sundowner talk by Dr Fiona Hook, Managing Director of Archae-aus Pty Ltd, Adjunct Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Western Australia and Full Member of AACAI!

Worked shell in deep time: Methods for identifying cultural modification of shell in Western Australian archaeological sites

Fiona will present a practical framework for identifying culturally modified shell in Aboriginal archaeological sites across Western Australia, based on recent research at Boodie Cave. Using case studies of scaphopod (tusk shell) beads and Melo amphora (baler shell) knives, Fiona will outline how worked shell can be distinguished from natural breakage through diagnostic features such as percussion fracture patterns, structured polish, use-wear development, and manufacturing debris signatures. A critical part of this identification process is an understanding of shell taxonomy and the macro- and micromorphological properties of different species, as these characteristics directly influence how shells fracture, wear, and preserve in archaeological contexts. I draw on experimental replication studies, microscopic analysis, and comparisons with historical collections to build a robust set of criteria for recognising worked shell. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of symbolic and utilitarian shell working traditions in deep-time Aboriginal coastal economies and offer new tools for identifying often-overlooked components of archaeological assemblages.

Sundowner Details:

Wednesday 21st May 2025 at 6pm sharp

The Albion Hotel, 535 Stirling Highway, Cottesloe

Food will be provided

Please make sure to book by Friday the 16th May! We will not be accepting ticket payments at the venue.

AACAI Member* $10.00

Student^ $10.00

General Admission $20.00

*Must be a current financial member
^Must book with a valid student email address