Work

Karribolknahnan kunred la kundulk: Contemporary Culturally Modified Trees in Mirarr Country, Northern Territory

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT In Mirarr Kunred (Country) in the Alligator Rivers region of the Northern Territory, Australia, a particular form of scarred, culturally modified tree (CMT) is actively being created as Bininj (Aboriginal people) harvest bark to be used as art canvases (dolobbo). Cultural heritage surveys carried out over the past 5 years in and near the township of Jabiru have recorded numerous dolobbo trees, along with a smaller number of older CMTs containing scars from other forms of resource extraction. These newly created CMTs are a tangible demonstration of cultural continuity, produced by Bininj adapting traditional practices to engage with the contemporary economy. Although dolobbo trees are a relatively new addition to the cultural landscape of Mirarr Kunred, they are warmly regarded by Bininj when encountered and have heritage value as indicators of current cultural activities. This study highlights the significance of recording these trees as part of the contemporary cultural landscape of Mirarr Kunred and considers the environmental and heritage implications of this practice.

Source: Archaeology in Oceania/Archæology & physical anthropology in Oceania

DOI: 10.1002/arco.70000