Bayini, Macassans, Balanda and Bininj: A Case Study of Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management and Tourism in West Arnhemland Northern Territory

This project will advance our knowledge of early maritime contacts between South East Asians, Europeans and Australian Indigenous peoples. The results will contribute significantly to the European and Indigenous history of Australia. A major aim is to investigate unresolved issues regarding the timing and nature of contacts. The project will also research the changes and cultural transmissions consequent on contact. Culture contacts will be examined through an investigation of the rich and diverse archaeological deposits and rock art assemblages in north-western Arnhem Land. A community-based Indigenous cultural heritage research program will establish the basis for future sustainable cultural heritage management.