Ningbing Ranges Survey

In late May, Jane Balme and Peter Veth along with Sue O’Connor (ANU) and the Miriuwung Gajerrong Rangers and Traditional Owners surveyed in the Ningbing Ranges, north of Kununurra. In these limestone ranges we were hoping to find sites with deep, dry sediments in their floors, like those in the limestone ranges of the southern Kimberley. However, what we found was very different. Many of the caves are enormous but with shallow deposits, washed by heavy monsoonal rain. Nevertheless, the area has much evidence of ancient and recent occupation by Aboriginal people. Along with use during the pastoral period, the caves demonstrate a long history of occupation with grinding stones, wood-working tools,  spear points, stone arrangements and regionally-specific rock art motifs.