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CATEGORISING CATFISH, JEWFISH AND EEL MOTIFS IN LAURA (QUINKAN) ROCK ART, CAPE YORK PENINSULA, AUSTRALIA.

Authors :
Cole, Noelene
Musgrave, Christine
George, Roseanne
Wallis, Lynley
Source :
Rock Art Research; Jan2024, Vol. 41 Issue 1, p28-40, 13p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Fish motifs in Aboriginal rock art of the Laura area (Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia) include a heterogenous group that has been imprecisely classified by rock art researchers. By analysing motif attributes, style and contexts (including natural populations), we characterised three categories: fork-tailed catfish (Neoarius paucus), eel-tailed catfish (Neosilurus spp.) and eel (Anguilla reinhardti). We label the categories with the local names 'catfish', 'jewfish' and 'eel'. The catfish cohort has a relatively naturalistic style, while the eel exhibits anatomical trends of eels, distinctive arrangements, and stylistic overlaps with jewfish that may denote shared meanings. Ambiguity is confirmed as a cultural value and communication mode of the rock art system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
08130426
Volume :
41
Issue :
1
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Rock Art Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
178901848
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.56801/rar.v41i1.271