The volume features over 700 extracts from Nineteenth Century sources that delve into Victorian Aboriginal society. Covering a wide array of topics, including ceremonies and recreation, it offers insightful glimpses into the rich and complex cultural landscape of the time.
This comprehensive work explores the Natufian culture, highlighting its dramatic emergence and rich artistic expressions. It begins with an introduction to Natufian art, detailing its discovery and the geographical and environmental context of the Natufian setting. The text delves into the excavation of Wadi Hammeh 27, discussing site chronology, architecture, and the types of decorated artifacts found, alongside an analysis of the local fauna, flora, and mineral resources. The classification of Natufian art is thoroughly examined, defining and quantifying its motifs, including gendered figurines and geometric designs. A detailed catalogue of art items from Wadi Hammeh 27 is presented, alongside a quantitative analysis of motifs and raw materials used in their production. The manufacturing techniques and distribution of art items across various phases are also explored. The significance of the Wadi Hammeh 27 assemblage is emphasized, particularly in relation to the distribution of Natufian art and its connection to site types. The text evaluates motifs in figurative and geometric representations, examining shared artistic traditions and site-specific identities. Furthermore, it interprets Natufian art objects, considering narrative evidence, ambiguous forms, and gender representation, alongside public performance and ritual practices. The conclusion synthesizes the findings and offers insights into the cultural implications