Willandra Lakes Archaeological Investigations 1968–98

Abstract

AbstractThe broadly generalised and widely cited late Pleistocene prehistory of the Willandra Lakes Region that has emerged over the last 30 years is based on analyses of a limited sample of the region's archaeology. This paper points to the expansive nature of Pleistocene sediments and archaeological exposures that exist in the region and identifies issues and problems faced by researchers who have investigated its archaeological record.Poorly understood areas of investigation hold considerable potential for expanding our understanding of late Pleistocene occupation, notably the nature of peoples' occupation in the area during the glacial maximum, the antiquity of Aboriginal occupation in south‐eastern Australia, interaction with megafauna, the nature of Pleistocene material culture, exchange of raw materials and associated indicators of trade and extended alliance networks. A review of the research that underpins this prehistory reveals considerable opportunity for further investigation.