The Implications of Early Occupation of Australian Deserts for the Settlement of Sahul

National Science Week Event: Canberra Archaeological Society and the ANU Centre for Archaeological Research present Laureate Professor Peter Veth FAHA MAACAI

Public lecture followed by wine and canapes from Symposium by University House.

“The implications of early occupation of Australian deserts for the settlement of Sahul”

 An increasing number of Australian arid zone sites have first occupation dated to between 50 – 45,000 years ago. In this Science Week lecture Peter Veth will discuss the nature and distribution of these sites and their significance for understanding the timing and nature of the first peopling of Sahul. A new desert settlement model will be outlined with examples drawn from the current Desert People Laureate Project. This research focuses on north-west Australia in research partnership with 10 Traditional Owner groups from the spectacular World Heritage Listed Ningaloo coast, through the rugged Pilbara ranges, and into the expansive interior Sandy Deserts. The emerging case for early and successful Aboriginal adaptations to desert environments, likely relying on broad and flexible diets and mobility patterns, has major implications for models of the wider settlement of Sahul.  

Peter Veth is an ARC Laureate Professor at the University of Australia, having completed his PhD on the archaeology of Martu people from the Canning Stock Route area. He has carried out collaborative research throughout Australia, Torres Strait, the Aru Islands and Timor Leste. He was co-author of the National Heritage and Outstanding Universal Values of Murujuga, has been an Archaeology Expert Witness in the Federal Court, was recipient of the Rhys Jones Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Australian Archaeology (2014) and was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities in 2005. He lives in Fremantle and Dampier when not in the desert.

Lecture: 5:30-7:00pm in the ANU Centre for China in the World Lecture Theatre (Lotus Auditorium)

Reception: 7:00pm-9:00pm in foyer

Lecture attendance: Free for everyone

Reception: Free for all CAS members (sign up at link below), $20 for non-members - includes choice of wines by the glass, soft drinks, and canapes.

https://www.canberraarchaeologicalsociety.com.au/membership-808279.html