Ildikë Piercy

Name

Ildikë Piercy

Current position

Principal Archaeologist and National Cultural Heritage Manager

Where did you study?

University of Queensland

How did you become interested in archaeology?

I always just was, loved adventure, history and the outdoors - perfect combo!

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?

Currently working on some historical and Aboriginal archaeological assessments for a number of renewables projects across Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, several historical and built heritage impact assessments for a number of Defence bases across the country, as well as providing heritage input on a socio-economic impact and baseline assessment for a new mine development in Western Australia.

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries.

My most interesting archaeological discovery was probably a series of human burials in several cave systems within the remote Hamersley Plateau region of Western Australia, as well as some fantastic poly-chromatic ochre rock art!

Tell us about a funny / disastrous / amazing experience that you have had while doing archaeology.

One time we were under time pressure and had to get through several Munsell soil colour comparisons as well undertake pH testing on multiple soil samples, I was asking why my colleague was taking so long and what the hold up was ... turns out he was colour blind. Whoopsies.

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

The travel, working in cool remote areas, discovering new sites, and going behind the scenes on Defence bases.