The archaeology of the Secret War: The material evidence of conflict on the Queensland frontier 1849-1901
Article
Article Title | The archaeology of the Secret War: The material evidence of conflict on the Queensland frontier 1849-1901 |
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ERA Journal ID | 34898 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Barker, Bryce (Author), Wallis, Lynley A. (Author), Burke, Heather (Author), Cole, Noelene (Author), Lowe, Kelsey (Author), Artym, Ursula (Author), Pagels, Anthony (Author), Bateman, Leanne (Author), Hatte, Elizabeth (Author), De Leiuen, Cherrie (Author), Davidson, Iain (Author) and Zimmerman, Larry (Author) |
Journal Title | Queensland Archaeological Research |
Journal Citation | 23, pp. 25-41 |
Number of Pages | 26 |
Year | 2020 |
Publisher | James Cook University |
Place of Publication | Australia |
ISSN | 0814-3021 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.25120/qar.23.2020.3720 |
Web Address (URL) | https://journals.jcu.edu.au/qar/article/view/3720 |
Abstract | Although the historical record relating to nineteenth century frontier conflict between Aboriginal groups and Europeans in Queensland has been clearly documented, there have been limited associated archaeological studies. As part of the Archaeology of the Queensland Native Mounted Police (NMP) project, this paper canvasses the physical imprint of frontier conflict across Queensland between 1849 and the early 1900s, focusing specifically on the activities and camp sites of the NMP, the paramilitary government-sanctioned force tasked with policing Aboriginal people to protect settler livelihoods. At least 148 NMP camps of varying duration once existed, and historical and archaeological investigations of these demonstrate some consistent patterning amongst them, as well as idiosyncrasies depending on individual locations and circumstances. All camps were positioned with primary regard to the availability of water and forage. Owing to their intended temporary nature and the frugality of the government, the surviving structural footprints of camps are generally limited. Buildings were typically timber slab and bark constructions with few permanent foundations and surviving architectural features are therefore rare, limited to elements such as ant bed flooring, remnant house or yard posts, stone lines demarcating pathways, and stone fireplaces. Architectural forms of spatial confinement, such as lockups or palisades, were absent from the camps themselves. The most distinctive features of NMP camps, and what allows them to be distinguished from the myriad pastoral sites of similar ages, are their artefact assemblages, especially the combined presence of gilt uniform buttons with the Victoria Regina insignia, knapped bottle glass, and certain ammunition-related objects. |
Keywords | Queensland Native Mounted Police, Archaeology, frontier conflict |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 450101. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander archaeology |
439999. Other history, heritage and archaeology not elsewhere classified | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Open access url | https://journals.jcu.edu.au/qar/article/view/3720 |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
Byline Affiliations | School of Humanities and Communication |
Griffith University | |
Flinders University | |
James Cook University | |
University of Queensland | |
University of Southern Queensland | |
Northern Archaeology Consultancies, Australia | |
University of New South Wales | |
Purdue University, United States | |
Indiana University Indianapolis, United States | |
Funding source | Australian Research Council (ARC) Grant ID DP160100307 |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q5w7w/the-archaeology-of-the-secret-war-the-material-evidence-of-conflict-on-the-queensland-frontier-1849-1901
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