Geographical Investigations in Djungan Country
Monash University
Ngarrabullgan: Geographical Investigations in Djungan Country, Cape York Peninsula
Professor Bruno David and a dedicated team of 45 researchers have spent seven years exploring Ngarrabullgan, a sacred mountain in Djungan Country, Cape York Peninsula. This interdisciplinary project spans archaeology, botany, zoology, geology, and geomorphology, providing raw data for future scientific publications and conferences. Beyond scientific pursuits, the project emphasizes cultural significance, presenting findings to the Djungan community. The collaborative and harmonious teamwork among researchers, despite limited funds, underscores the success of this multi-disciplinary endeavor.
Key Points
- Interdisciplinary Exploration
A seven-year project led by Professor Bruno David, involving 45 researchers across various disciplines, explores Ngarrabullgan in Djungan Country.
- Holistic Approach
The monograph offers raw data from archaeology, botany, zoology, geology, and geomorphology, setting the stage for future scientific publications.
- Cultural Connection
Findings are presented to the Djungan community, recognizing the cultural significance of Ngarrabullgan.
- Collaborative Spirit
Despite limited funds, the project thrives on harmonious teamwork, showcasing the success of multi-disciplinary research.
“This monograph presents results by discipline; it does not attempt to integrate these results into an overall archaeological story. This will be the subject of the second volume. Rather, it aims to make the raw data available to others, partly to enable a better evaluation of the archaeological results that will be published in scientific journals, or presented at conferences over the next few years. It is also to present our scientific results in a single format to the Djungan community.
While the archaeology may be the major focus of the scientific work, we should not overlook the significance of Ngarrabullgan to the other disciplines, for whether it be botany, zoology, geology or geomorphology, the mountain possesses many secrets that have already, in each of these subjects, caused major excitement. It is hoped that some of these sources of interest are successfully portrayed in the following chapters …
This monograph is the product of seven years of field work. During that time, more than 45 professional researchers have been involved; not all are represented in this volume. All researchers participated free-of-charge, never making any unreasonable demands on any other participant, despite the very limited funds available. This has been a most pleasurable experience, in the true sense of teamwork. In all these years, I cannot remember a single time when harsh words exchanged between participants, despite the at times extended periods of shared fieldwork. I look forward to more joint efforts, and again take the opportunity to thank all participants. It is this type of experience that makes me ever more convinced that multi-disciplinary research is the way to go.”
BRUNO DAVID – Professor at Monash University
