Archaeological research has uncovered remarkable traces of human history in a limestone cave known as Waribruk, located in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Australia. A collaborative team led by the GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, in partnership with Monash University and international archaeologists, has documented ancient finger grooves that offer a glimpse into the gestures and movements of ancestors dating back as far as 8,400 to 1,800 years ago.
The findings, published in the journal Australian Archaeology, highlight the significance of these finger impressions as rare evidence of ancestral interactions with the cave environment. Unlike traditional archaeological artifacts, such as tools and hearths, these ephemeral gestures capture the physical actions of the ancestors.
The Mystique of Waribruk
Waribruk, revered by the GunaiKurnai Elders, features a chamber devoid of natural light. To reach the inner sections of the cave, the ancestors would have required artificial illumination, likely from firesticks or small fires. Over millions of years, the limestone walls softened due to the infiltration of groundwater, creating a malleable texture akin to playdough.
As the research team delved deeper into the cave, they observed that bacteria residing on the moist rock had generated luminescent microcrystals, causing the surfaces to glitter when exposed to light. It is on these captivating surfaces that the finger grooves were found, providing insights into the physical expressions of individuals who ventured into the cave long ago.
The precise timing of the creation of these grooves remains uncertain. However, excavations near the decorated walls revealed fragments of charcoal and patches of ash, likely remnants of firesticks, suggesting that these gestures occurred within a specific time frame. The archaeological evidence indicates that the interactions took place between approximately 420 and 90 generations ago.
Insights into Ancestral Practices
The analysis of the finger grooves has unveiled a significant cultural practice. On one panel, researchers recorded 96 sets of grooves, with the earliest marks displaying horizontal patterns made by multiple fingers. Vertical and diagonal grooves were later added, suggesting that the individuals involved were engaged in a deliberate act of creation.
Noteworthy is the discovery of two parallel sets of narrow impressions, measuring just 3 to 5 millimeters wide, likely made by a small child. These impressions, positioned high on the wall, indicate that the child was lifted by an adult, further emphasizing the communal nature of these gestures.
Deeper within the cave, a low ceiling panel bore 262 grooves, revealing the movements of individuals as they crawled or balanced along a narrow clay bench. This pattern of movement suggests a purposeful journey through the cave, with fingers pressed into the soft surfaces as they advanced.
The total count of finger grooves documented in Waribruk amounts to approximately 950 sets. Notably, these grooves appear predominantly in areas where calcite microcrystals coat the cave walls, avoiding regions free from glitter. This correlation provides insights into the purposeful nature of these markings, as they are situated far from any signs of domestic life, such as hearths or food remains.
According to Russell Mullett, a GunaiKurnai Elder and member of the research team, these caves were not ordinary living spaces. They were reserved for special individuals, known as mulla-mullung, who possessed unique knowledge and performed rituals using crystals and minerals.
The finger grooves at Waribruk align with these traditions, reflecting intentional movements tied to the sacred practices of the GunaiKurnai community. These gestures symbolize a deep cultural connection and a record of interaction with the environment that extends beyond mere rock art.
Through this exploration of the Waribruk cave, researchers reveal not only the physical acts of the ancestors but also a rich tapestry of cultural memory and spirituality. The preserved gestures serve as a poignant reminder of lives lived long ago, connecting contemporary society with its ancestral roots.
The study’s authors, including Olivia Rivero Vila and Diego Garate Maidagan, who contributed to the photography and digital modeling of the finger grooves, underscore the collaborative nature of this research. Funding for the project came from various sources, including Rock Art Australia and the Australian Research Council, highlighting the importance of partnerships in uncovering and preserving Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage.
