Cultural burning activities on Cape York have uncovered Indigenous artwork. Photos: DETSI.
Undocumented Aboriginal rock art has been uncovered within sandstone cliffs on Cape York as rangers carried out cultural burns near other significant sites.
For now, the exact location of the artwork is under wraps to give traditional owners a chance to consider the significance of the find, connect with Country and study the cultural heritage.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers were working with Balnggarrawarra, Buubu Gujin, and Waarnthurr-iin Aboriginal corporations on the Yugu Minthil Cultural Burn program when they found the artwork on Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL).
A Waarnthurr-iin Aboriginal Corporation safety briefing held during the burns.
The discovery of the historic galleries and art shelters could “help redefine Queensland’s ancient cultural history”, according to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
QPWS works with First Nations peoples to manage about 2.75 million hectares of national park land and the use of fire on Country is central to arrangements.
Josh Smith, a ranger with QPWS, said the collaboration and planned burn program was vital to protect cultural heritage across the peninsula.
The exact location of the find remains a mystery for now.
“This work supports the ongoing care and protection of cultural sites across the Cooktown Management Unit, ensuring these important places are looked after for generations to come,” he said.
Director of Waarnthurr-iin Aboriginal Corporation Steven Harrigan said: “I’m really proud to be listened to and given the opportunity to work on Country and be out there.”
“It has been a long time of waiting, but finally we are out here given a chance and being respected,” he said.
Cultural burning on Cape York.
Cultural assessments, brushcutting, and various methods of burning were carried out over about 500 ha of land in Muundhi (Jack River), Melsonby (Gaarraay), Biniir, and Ngaynggarr national parks.
The efforts were part of the broader Southern Cape fire program, which has treated 63,000 hectares across 227,686 ha of land.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said the cultural burns protected culturally sensitive locations, while enhancing understanding of fire behaviour in the area.
Photos of the rock art were not made available for cultural reasons.
