Rock Art Research

This paper discusses the complexities of the place of fibre objects in rock art research globally and presents a local Indigenous perspective on fibre in rock art from western Arnhem Land (Northern Territory, Australia). The case studies use multiple strands of evidence, including rock art imagery, ethnographic data and museum collections. The findings show that the rock art contains depictions of fibre objects that have various culturally important roles and are indicators for ceremonial practices, and that these practices were taking place long into the past as well as recently. It highlights that depictions of fibre objects are deserving of a greater focus in rock art research in Australia and other parts of the world.