Join us for a drink and some food for thought on the unconventional topic of contemporary graffiti in archaeology (which is, by literal definition, the study of ancient things). In the past forty years there has been a growing number of archaeologists who have shifted their focus from the deep past to the recent past, who use the material record to provide insight into present human experiences, practices and behaviours. In this seminar, Jordan Ralph will take us on an exploration of contemporary graffiti, while considering its value to archaeological research. He will draw from and discuss the results of his study of Jawoyn graffiti in the Northern Territory.

Marc Fairhead will then be speaking on the cultural landscape of Maralinga, South Australia. Marc will offer a critical overview of the nuclear program at Maralinga, though a lens of dark and difficult heritage. A heritage which affected Australia’s First Peoples, non-Indigenous Australians, and British citizens alike. Marc’s current research aims to understand Aboriginal mobility and settlement prior to WWII, to predict the location of archaeological sites in central Cape York Peninsula.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Guests are welcome to purchase nibbles and drinks at the bar.

Bookings not required.

Time and date: 3pm-5pm, Tuesday 21 May 2019

Location: Flinders Tavern, Flinders University Bedford Park Campus

For more information, contact Jordan Ralph at jordan.ralph@flinders.edu.au