The International Symposium on Archaeometry (ISA), hosted by the University of Melbourne will be 27th - 31st May 2024. Please put it in your calendar and start thinking about posters and papers! Abstract Deadline November 15, 2023 #archaeologicalscience #ISA2024

The application deadline for the Melb Uni Isotope Geochemistry position has now been extended until after the Goldschmidt conference (applications now due 18th July)🙂 jobs.unimelb.edu.au/en/job/912798/…

Join Ian Waina, Professor Rachel Popelka-Filcoff and I on Wednesday 9th of August where we will present on our joint research at the Indigenous Knowledge Institute’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Symposium Register for tickets here: events.unimelb.edu.au/IKI/event/3237…

Research fellow on the Kimberley Rock Art Dating project Dr Helen Green, Rock Art Australia Minderoo Chair Professor Rachel Popelka-Filcoff & Ian Waina (Kwini Traditional Owner) are presenting their joint rock art research at the #IndigenousPeoplesDay Symposium Indigenous Knowledge Institute ⬇️

Helen says that before the University joined, Ian met with the Kimberley Foundation to discuss rock art research. He was instrumental in the foundations of the project.

Someone asked Ian how old some rock art was. He tried to date it himself but wasn't able to find the answer. So he assembled a team of scientists and locals to help. He helped the scientists navigate the land, camp and find water (and keep them safe from crocodiles!).

Helen and Ian worked together on examining mineral coatings on rock art. Microbes produce minerals on rock art. By dating the microbes, they could understand how old the rock art was. Microbes underneath mean the rock art is newer - on top and the rock art is older.

They've found that the microbes are 40,000 years old and are hoping to find answers by linking them to changes in the environment throughout history. Ian has been instrumental in gathering specimens for the team.

Rachel is focusing on the use of ochre and using non-destructive devices to examine it. Together with Ian, they're finding out what the pigments are made of, where they're from and why they've stayed on the rocks for so long.

Ian talks about Dr Damien Finch's work examining wasp nests at the rock art site. Wasps mud to create nests which produces carbon, and dating the carbon reveals more knowledge about the rock art.

Ian says he’s had to adjust to working with scientists & archaeologists, but he’s amazed at what they've found together. “My ancestors were painting right back (in history). I’m glad to work with them. It’s two ways to see. In my place and community, I'm the professor."

Thanks for joining us today. The Symposium will continue tomorrow. Tap to learn more ➡️ indigenousknowledge.unimelb.edu.au/news-events/ik… Indigenous Knowledge Institute

#CFP International Symposium on Archaeometry (ISA) #ISA2024 - Uni Melbourne - May 27-31, 2024 - Abstract deadline Nov 15, 2023 arcas.org.au/isa2024.melbou…

Great to present our recent results on X-ray Raman, FTIR and py-GC-MS of plant exudate pigment binders at #ACSFall2023 from the @scimelb #ArchaeologicalScience Laboratory and international colleagues. 👩‍🔬🌲🔬📈pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pn…

Gave a keynote at the #IUCr2023 this morning 🤓 great location and great audience #rockartdating #IUCR #archaeologicalscience

The Australasian Archaeological Science Student Symposium is NOW OPEN for registration! All students regardless of academic level can to submit an abstract on a project relating to archaeological science, completed or ongoing. ARCAS For more info: arcas.org.au/showcases/inau…

✍️ DON’T FORGET: ABSTRACTS DUE TOMORROW (OCT 1)! 📢Join us at the Australasian Archaeological Science Student Symposium! surl.li/knsyp 🗓️ Nov 30, 2023 📍 Online & In-person 🎟️ FREE Registration 🏆 Best Presentation Award ( thanks Society for Archaeological Sciences)

Next for 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗲 we are sharing a review of recent advances and best practices in the archaeometry of ochre, as well as highlighting future directions for the field:

10 days left to submit abstracts! Head to our website arcas.org.au/isa2024.melbou… to learn more about the nine sessions to which you can submit your research.

University of Melbourne’s Prof. Rachel Popelka-Filcoff presenting at an #IAEA technical meeting on nuclear techniques for forensic science - synchrotron and accelerator methods for Indigenous Australian archaeology.