Discovery of more artefacts on the Australian continental shelf shows Flying Foam Passage must be a protected archaeological site

Newswise — The recent revelation of ancient stone artifacts at an underwater spring along the coast of Western Australia's Pilbara region has unequivocally affirmed the presence of a submerged archaeological site. This significant finding strongly suggests the existence of further ancient Aboriginal artifacts concealed beneath the ocean's depths.

In accordance with the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, the submerged cultural landscape that currently lies beneath the ocean's surface should be duly acknowledged and safeguarded. This recognition highlights the importance of preserving and conserving this valuable heritage, which has become part of the seabed environment.

In a recently published study in Quaternary Science Reviews, the findings from recent fieldwork have unveiled a remarkable revelation. The discovery substantiates the existence of well-preserved cultural stone artifacts located as deep as 14 meters underwater, offering intriguing scientific revelations regarding the ancient Aboriginal activities on what was previously exposed land. This discovery provides valuable insights into the profound history of human occupation in the region over an extensive period of time.

The artifacts, estimated to be a minimum of 9000 years old, have been unearthed at the underwater spring known as the Flying Foam Passage in Murujuga, also known as the Dampier Archipelago. This significant finding sheds light on the enduring presence of ancient human activity in this region, further contributing to our understanding of the deep history of Murujuga.

Prior to being submerged by rising sea levels, the passage was inhabited during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods. This indicates that human occupation of the area occurred in the distant past, preceding the submergence of the passage beneath the ocean waters due to changes in sea levels.

Through a collaborative effort between Flinders University, the University of Western Australia (UWA), and the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, a noteworthy find unfolded at the site. A grand total of five stone artifacts were unearthed by archaeologists, signifying the fruitful outcome of their joint endeavor. This discovery stands as a testament to the significance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in unraveling the secrets of our ancient past.

As part of the Deep History of Sea Country project, researchers have identified Flying Foam Passage as one of two ancient cultural sites where significant artifacts were previously unearthed. Through a comprehensive series of surveys, these findings have shed light on the enduring Aboriginal activities that have been preserved on what is currently the seabed. This research contributes to our understanding of the rich cultural heritage associated with these submerged areas and highlights the importance of investigating the deep history of sea country.

During the postglacial period, the landscape underwent flooding due to rising sea levels, submerging over two million square kilometers of Australia's continental shelf. However, amidst this transformation, certain cultural sites managed to withstand the test of time and remain preserved to this day. These surviving sites bear witness to the remarkable resilience of human heritage, offering glimpses into the ancient past despite the vast changes that shaped the land and sea.

Through collaborative efforts involving archaeologists from Flinders University, the University of Western Australia, James Cook University, and the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, an international team has successfully identified a collection of newly discovered stone artifacts. This remarkable achievement was made possible through a combination of scientific dives, marine fieldwork employing 3D models and lidar systems, and the application of underwater archaeology techniques. The interdisciplinary approach employed by these experts has been instrumental in uncovering and comprehensively studying these significant cultural relics.

The successful application of these established techniques has paved the way for their deployment in surveys throughout Australia to identify springs with comparable geographic characteristics. This means that the knowledge and expertise gained from the recent discovery can be effectively utilized to explore and uncover similar submerged sites across the country. By employing these proven methodologies, researchers have the potential to unveil further hidden cultural treasures, expanding our understanding of Australia's rich archaeological heritage.

Professor Jonathan Benjamin, the lead researcher of The Deep History of Sea Country project, emphasizes that the recent discovery serves as compelling evidence that valuable heritage artifacts remain preserved on the seabed within the archipelago. Recognizing the cultural significance of Sea Country, he highlights the importance of introducing additional measures to assess and safeguard submerged cultural sites. Given the high probability of forthcoming discoveries in Murujuga and other locations across Australia, there is a pressing need to adopt proactive approaches that promote the understanding and protection of these submerged cultural treasures.

"The Deep History of Sea Country project stands as the pioneering Australian research initiative that successfully revealed ancient submerged cultural heritage within the marine environment. The initial findings sparked extensive debate and discussion, especially regarding the artifacts discovered in shallow waters. The recent evidence solidifies the notion that the archaeological site extends beyond the water and onto land surfaces that are now submerged in Murujuga. This revelation underscores the profound significance of exploring the submerged landscapes to gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's rich history."

"Through our diligent efforts, we have successfully identified five stone artifacts at Flying Foam Passage, thereby confirming its status as an archaeological site of significance. During our dives, we faced a limited timeframe of approximately 40 minutes when the current velocities were sufficiently low to explore the passage. Our scientific divers strategically focused on specific locations, where serendipitously, the cultural artifacts were patiently awaiting their discovery. This remarkable find highlights the importance of meticulous planning and exploration in uncovering submerged cultural treasures."

"The presence of similar geographic features in nearby locations within the archipelago strongly indicates a high likelihood of additional artifacts waiting to be discovered. As such, it is imperative that the protection of underwater cultural heritage becomes a top priority for both the federal and state governments. Preserving and safeguarding these submerged cultural treasures not only honors the rich history and heritage of the region but also ensures that future generations can continue to learn and appreciate the significance of Sea Country."

Professor Benjamin asserts that the recent discovery provides compelling and tangible evidence that research efforts focused on submerged landscapes in Murujuga should be expanded both within Western Australia and throughout the rest of the country. This expansion is necessary due to the high probability of thousands of ancient sites existing in tropical environments across Australia. By broadening our investigations in these areas, we can uncover further invaluable insights into the deep history of the land and the remarkable cultural heritage that lies beneath its waters.

The Australian continental shelf encompasses an expansive submerged cultural landscape, spanning over two million square kilometers of land that was once inhabitable. Remarkably, this hidden heritage lies submerged up to 130 meters below the sea level, eagerly awaiting exploration and discovery. The irrefutable evidence presented by our findings in Western Australia underscores the pressing need for cultural protection of these submerged sites, ensuring their preservation for future scientific endeavors. By safeguarding these submerged cultural treasures, we can foster ongoing scientific exploration and gain deeper insights into our shared human history.

The recent findings are prominently featured in a captivating documentary series titled 'The First Inventors.' This remarkable series delves into the rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovation, spanning thousands of years. By showcasing these findings, the documentary sheds light on the remarkable ingenuity and inventive spirit of these ancient cultures, further enriching our understanding of their profound contributions to human history

Professor Benjamin emphasizes that the inclusion of research findings from Murujuga in the documentary will significantly enhance public awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the critical need to urgently preserve newly discovered sites. By showcasing these findings to a broader audience, the documentary serves as a powerful tool to convey the significance of protecting and safeguarding these sites for future generations. This heightened awareness reinforces the importance of taking immediate action to ensure the preservation of our cultural heritage.