Radiocarbon Dates for Northern New South Wales

Abstract

The archaeological work being undertaken in the New England region of northern New South Wales is part of a long-term study of the prehistory of this part of the state, combining field survey with the excavation of stratified sites. In both these aspects work is proceeding on a regional basis, at present concentrating on a coastal river valley (that of the Clarence), and the Northern Tablelands, areas offering contrasting environments, sub-tropical riverine and coastal conditions and rugged upland over 3,000 ft. above sea level. In reconnaissance the aim is a total regional record, to give a full picture of the range of evidence for prehistoric occupation and exploitation of any area, and the distribution, within the region as a whole, of particular types of site. This should provide a setting within which the excavated material may be interpreted, with the hope of eventually establishing connexions between art, ceremonial and industrial sites, and the dated industries, so gaining a fuller reconstruction of the life of the prehistoric occupants of the area.