Author Identifier

Syed Zulqarnain Gilani: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7448-2327

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory

Volume

32

Issue

1

Publisher

Springer

School

School of Science

RAS ID

77441

Comments

He, S., Gilani, S. Z., Morrison, P., Hughes, M., & McDonald, J. (2025). Pilbara fat-tailed macropods: Using multivariate and morphometric analyses to explore spatial and stylistic variability. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, 32(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10816-024-09670-9

Abstract

This paper presents a pioneering analysis of a distinctive engraved motif from the Pilbara region: the fat-tailed macropod (kangaroo). This stylistic analysis has used a combination of conventional qualitative and multivariate techniques with less commonly deployed geometric morphometrics analysis (GMA). Focusing on a distinctive engraved motif in Australia’s northwest, this study has quantified the stylistic characteristics of the fat-tailed macropod depictions by identifying the significant attributes that contribute to this motif’s schema. By using both multivariate analysis and GMA software, we have developed a more nuanced understanding of the synchronic and diachronic dimensions of this deep-time indigenous artistic tradition. Differing levels of stylistic homogeneity across this region are interpreted as distinctive signalling intentionality by the artists. Based on the precepts of information exchange theory, stylistic homogeneity is interpreted as indicating an open social system, while stylistic heterogeneity represents people signalling social difference(s). The geographic distribution of this distinctive motif, and its specific placement within sites demonstrates different inscribing behaviours across the Pilbara. This is interpreted as evidence for intentional identity production by Pilbara artists. GMA identifies that a major contributing factor to the variability in this motif form is in the distinctive depictions of posture and gait. Indigenous knowledge of kangaroo behaviours is demonstrated in these iconic Pilbara motifs.

DOI

10.1007/s10816-024-09670-9

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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