Shell Matrix Deposits: Behavioural Uniformity, or Formational Variability? A Formation Model of Shell Matrix Deposits from Wathayn, Weipa, Australia.

Abstract

The general assumption utilised in archaeological research is that in order to study the human past, we must start with an understanding of human behaviour from which interpretation of patterning in material remains can be made. To aide this research process the archaeological record is assumed to be a direct functional representation of a cultures structure and rules. Such approaches do not take account for the fact that the archaeological record is foremost the result of multiple formation agents that act to highlight obscure, erase, or create patterning in the record – a cumulative palimpsest. When the record is understood as cumulative palimpsest it questions the logic and assumptions behind functional inference on behaviour ‘read’ from material remains. This thesis uses a reconception of the archaeological record evidenced in shell matrix deposits at Wathayn, Weipa using a formation history perspective to assess the logic of functionally derived archaeological inference. Formational assessment considers the simple measures of variability in composition of 12 shell matrix deposits with regard to their landscape position, age attributes, and morphology to develop a high level model of shell matrix deposit formation at Wathayn. This model allows the central hypothesis that there are problems inherent in the logic and use of functional inference that create fallacious representations of the human past to be tested. The high level model of shell matrix deposit formation from Wathayn demonstrates a dynamic formation system in which various formation process acts to differentially preserve, alter, and eradicate. The differential actions of transformation agents across deposits are demonstrated to be driven by attributes of deposit form and density within specific locales. From this past assumptions made about how culture and the material record of that culture are directly readable from the archaeological record are deconstructed. Results demonstrate that a formational understanding of the archaeological record should be the focus of shell matrix deposit research. Future directions to refine and test the Wathayn model at another environmentally and climatically similar locale is recommended. Key words: Geoarchaeology, shell matrix deposits, shell mound, formation processes, time perspectivism, archaeological inference, functional interpretation, stratigraphy, Australia, Cape York Peninsula, shell dissolution, shell fragmentation, Anadara granosa.