Morgan Wilcox

Current position

Senior Archaeologist - EMM Consulting Pty Ltd

Where did you study?

La Trobe University

How did you become interested in archaeology?

I was always fascinated in history, travel and as an Aboriginal woman the culture of my country. I grew up in western NSW surrounded by incredible Aboriginal sites such as the Terramungamine Grinding Grooves, Brewarrina Fish Traps and the Warrumbungles. Initially I was going to study to become a history teacher, but I will be forever grateful for a meeting with my high school careers counsellor Mr Priest who brought a career in archaeology onto my radar. Why teach the history books when you can help write them!

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?

As a heritage consultant, I am working on a number of archaeological assessments throughout Australia. This year, coinciding with National Archaeology Week, alongside Aboriginal stakeholders myself and the EMM heritage team will be commencing an excavation of Aboriginal midden sites on the Kurnell Peninsula.

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries.

I have been fortunate enough to work throughout Australia on surveys and excavations ranging from rock shelters in the Atherton Tablelands, to the dunefields and claypans of central Australia. I have also worked abroad at Boncuklu Hoyuk in Turkey and Pella in Jordan. 
Being able to directly connect with people who lived thousands of years in the past is an incredible part of my job. So my most interesting discoveries would have to be Aboriginal hand stencils at Australian art sites, fingerprints in clay items or floors of Neolithic houses at Boncuklu Hoyuk, or slowly excavating a Bronze Age human burial at Pella.

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

Whilst so much of what we study is thousands of years in the past, my favourite part of being an archaeologist is engaging with the people I work alongside. Whether that be speaking with local Aboriginal knowledge holders or training new young archaeologists. To work every day in a career which allows me to share mutual appreciation for the history of our beautiful country and the new knowledge which archaeology can bring to our lives with so many people is a pretty special thing.

Follow up reading.

 www.emmconsulting.com.au/services/specialist-services/aboriginal-historical-heritage/

Morgan’s LinkedIn profile.