Archaeology studies past human societies through the recovery and analysis of surviving material remains—the things people leave behind. Archaeology is of crucial significance for the understanding of Australia’s past as the only discipline able to study the nearly 60,000 years of human settlement on this continent.

UWA archaeologists contribute to the documentation, research, and preservation of archaeological heritage throughout Western Australia and in many different parts of the world. In working with Indigenous people (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders), Australian archaeologists have a unique opportunity to access much of the continent’s human history. Our expertise includes Indigenous, historical and maritime archaeology, unravelling the full breadth of Australia’s rich Indigenous and colonial history.

In addition to an active focus on research we have strong industry links with UWA’s Eureka Archaeological Research and Consulting which provides high-quality archaeological and cultural heritage management services across Western Australia. With archaeology having an increasingly significant role to play in development and land management strategies in Australia, our discipline is crucial to assisting with developing proper interpretive and management solutions to protect our Indigenous and historical cultural heritage.

Research

Our main areas of research interest are:

• archaeology of Indigenous Australia
• rock-art and human symbolic behaviour
• hunter-gatherers
• historical and maritime archaeology
• European and Asian prehistory
• consulting archaeology in Australia.

Collaboration and consulting

Our staff are involved with:

• Eureka Archaeological Research and Consulting which provides professional archaeological research and consulting services across Western Australia.
• UWA Centre for Rock Art Research + Management, working with Indigenous communities across northern Australia on a range of rock-art research projects.

Archaeology Seminar Program