Geophysical remote sensing of a historical aboriginal gravesite in Quairading, Western Australia

Abstract

Burial sites have extreme cultural significance to societies around the world. Until recently, insufficient recognition of Aboriginal heritage in Australia has led to a very poor understanding and documentation of many culturally significant locations, including burial sites. In some cases, sites have been preserved through the efforts of local people; however, others were subsequently redeveloped or even completely destroyed. Local Aboriginal people are usually the best source of information regarding these locations and can identify broad regions with historical significance, but seldom do they provide precise details about individual grave locations. There are still many Aboriginal gravesites throughout Australia where the exact burial locations are unknown. Locating gravesites – and doing so in a way that minimises site disturbance – is paramount to any investigation and preservation program. For efficient investigation of large areas, geophysical remote sensing provides practical and non-invasive tools for investigation of large poorly documented burial areas. The UWA Society of Exploration Geophysicists Student Chapter, in conjunction with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, acquired several near-surface geophysical surveys over a known aboriginal burial site near Quairading, Western Australia. Multiple techniques were used to delineate possible grave locations, including ground penetrating radar (GPR), magnetics and conductivity. While work is ongoing with the data processing and integration, and future surveys are planned, early indications show anomalies that may be related to burial locations.