The Kaurareg Archaeological Project, south-Western Torres Strait, Australia

This project aims to characterize the nature and antiquity of Aboriginal occupation at the southern-most end of the Torres Strait islands (Queensland) using archaeological, historical, and Indigenous perspectives. Excavations in the south-Western islands will establish a chronology of occupation and site use, evaluate the extent of influences from a Papuan migration into Torres Strait 2600 years ago, and investigate the notion of distinctive archaeological expression for the only Aboriginal inhabitants of the Strait (the Kaurareg Aboriginal community). Interviews will focus on recording Kaurareg perspectives regarding past and present relationships with Islander neighbours to the north and Cape York Aboriginal groups to the south.