In a historic first, a research study involving Wiradjuri people has examined the history of carved trees, and burials across Southeast Australia.
The study, published in Australian Archaeology, was a collaboration between Central Tablelands Local Land Services, Gaanha-bula Action Group, Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council, Yarrawula Ngullubul Men's Corporation, La Trobe University, and the University of Denver in the USA.
It brought together Wiradjuri cultural knowledge, ground-penetrating radar and 3D modelling to understand the reasoning behind the locations of the carved trees, marara, and burials, dhabuganha.
The team were able to use the non-invasive technology to discover the resting place of a Wiradjuri ancestor.
Photographs of some of the scar trees studied in the research project. Credit: La Trobe University
Wiradjuri Elder, Uncle Neil Ingram who was involved in the study said Yindyamarra, respect, was an integral part of it.
"We were able to share knowledge together on Country, and that was very respectful and important," he said.
"It was a good demonstration that Western methodology and traditional methodology and culture, and values, and land, and connection to Country can go together."
Greg Ingram, Central Tablelands Local Land Services Aboriginal Communities Officer, said the project was an "exciting opportunity".
“This has been an exciting opportunity and partnership for an Aboriginal-led science project with the Wiradjuri Elders directing western science to support their existing cultural knowledge of the landscape and funeral practices where the cultural indicators were not obvious due to patterns of land management since colonisation," he said.
A Wiradjuri community gathering during the investigation. Credit: La Trobe University
"Wiradjuri marara are enigmatic and unique in Australia and worldwide, but many are also nearing the end of their natural life cycle," she said.
"When you Google these trees, you will only find information written by non-Wiradjuri people that doesn’t paint an accurate picture of what they represent.
She said the research would push people to reconsider their own views".
"For Wiradjuri people, they are sacred locations that tell a story about Wiradjuri Lore, beliefs, traditional cultural practices and Country, and pathways between the earth and sky world."
