Journal article
Scratching the surface: Subtractive rock markings from the Cockburn Ranges, eastern Kimberley, Western Australia
J Goldhahn, S Harper, R Popelka-Filcoff, B Aboriginal Corporation
Australian Archaeology | Published : 2023
Abstract
This article deals with visual expression in the form of subtractive rock markings from the Cockburn Ranges, situated within the Balanggarra Native Title determination in the east Kimberley, Western Australia. We present examples of subtractive rock marking diversity, ranging from cupules and abraded grooves, recursive cultural practises in the form of battering and scratching of extant artworks, figurative and non-figurative images, potentially random scratches and battering of the rock surface and tally marks. These kinds of visual expressions in rock art research have a tendency to fall under the radar when researchers discuss the meaning and significance of Aboriginal Australian rock art..
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Awarded by Australian Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
The fieldwork resulting in this paper started in 2021 as a concluding part of the Kimberley Visions Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage project (LP150100490), which was undertaken in collaboration with the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation (BAC). During our fieldwork, we were joined by Cockburn Ranges Traditional Owner Clinton Johnstone and his family from Wyndham, and we are indebted to him and other Traditional Owners in the Cockburn TONC group, especially Patrick Birch and Steven Weaver, for insights and ongoing conversations about the Cockburn Ranges. We are grateful to Cissy Gore-Birch for support and liaison, to all the BAC staff at Home Valley Station, particularly Trisha Birch, who hosted us during the 2021 and 2022 fieldwork, and to Pauline Heaney, who helped us with data and with filling gaps in our knowledge about Kimberley rock art. In 2021, we received funding from a Rock Art Australia Strategic Grant for the 2022 fieldwork, and we are grateful for their support. We also wish to thank our helicopter pilot Bobby Henggeler, for helping us with our survey and documentation with insights, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Finally, we wish to thank BAC's IPA coordinator George Britchford, for all his ongoing help, support, and discussions during our fieldwork and throughout the writing process.