Methods for identifying cultural modification of shell in Western Australian archaeological sites
The WA Chapter of the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists Inc. is delighted to present a sundowner talk by Fiona Hook.
Fiona Hook presents a practical framework for identifying culturally modified shell in Aboriginal archaeological sites across Western Australia, based on recent research at Boodie Cave. Using case studies of scaphopod (tusk shell) beads and Melo amphora (baler shell) knives, Fiona will outline how worked shell can be distinguished from natural breakage through diagnostic features such as percussion fracture patterns, structured polish, use-wear development, and manufacturing debris signatures. A critical part of this identification process is an understanding of shell taxonomy and the macro- and micromorphological properties of different species, as these characteristics directly influence how shells fracture, wear, and preserve in archaeological contexts.
Fiona draws on experimental replication studies, microscopic analysis, and comparisons with historical collections to build a robust set of criteria for recognising worked shell. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of symbolic and utilitarian shell working traditions in deep-time Aboriginal coastal economies and offer new tools for identifying often-overlooked components of archaeological assemblages.
About the speaker: Fiona Hook is a Western Australian based archaeologist with over 30 years of experience in cultural heritage management and archaeological research. She is the Managing Director of Archae-aus Pty Ltd and an Adjunct Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Western Australia. Fiona recently completed her PhD on early Aboriginal marine adaptations and shell technologies from two sites on Barrow Island, focusing on how coastal desert societies responded to sea level changes over the last 50,000 years. Her research combines quantification of shellfish remains, experimental archaeology, and detailed analysis of shell artefacts to reveal deep-time traditions of marine resource use, personal ornamentation, and tool production. Fiona has a particular interest in archaeomalacology — the study of shell remains — and has developed new frameworks for identifying culturally modified shell in Australian sites. She continues to work closely with Aboriginal communities across Western Australia to support heritage research, Indigenous training, and the protection of cultural landscapes.
Food will be provided. Please make sure to book by Friday the 16th of May as we will not be accepting ticket payments on the door.
When: 6pm Wednesday 21 May 2025
Cost: $10 (AACAI member / student), $20 (general admission)
Where: Albion Hotel, 535 Stirling Highway, Cottesloe WA
Registration (required by 16 May): https://events.humanitix.com/aacai-wa-sundowner-talk-fiona-hook