Abstract:
This research describes the post-contact socio-economic context of the culturally modified tree record at Weipa on the western coast of the Cape York Peninsula, Australia. The aim of this research was to understand the changes in traditional subsistence strategies within the context of the interaction between local Aboriginal populations and the local mission economy. Literature resources including government reports and oral histories provided information on the socio-economic dynamics of the Weipa mission. Results show that the mission economy at 20 Mile (1898-1931) and Jessica Point (1931-1966) was comprised of both European and Aboriginal subsistence strategies. Sugarbag, wild honey harvested from trees was identified as an important commodity for consumption and exchange at the Jessica Point mission. The Rio Tinto Alcan cultural heritage survey record provided data on traditional culturally modified tree (CMT) practices during the post-contact period. The record of the CMTs at Weipa demonstrates how the changes in traditional subsistence strategies reflect the dynamic and strategic nature of the relationships within the crosscultural context. Key Words: Cross-cultural interaction, mission, Weipa, socio-economy, culturally modified trees (CMTs), sugarbag.