Ancient indigenous jewelry discovered in Queensland, Australia

Archaeologists at the Windmill Way rock shelter in Quinkan Country, Queensland, have discovered twelve wallaby incisors that appear to have been part of an ancient indigenous ornament. Dated via radiocarbon analysis to approximately 1,100 to 1,300 years ago, the teeth were found coated in a dark substance identified as resin from the Xanthorrhoea tree, commonly known as the Australian grass tree.

Initially mistaken for common animal remains among thousands of other bones, the teeth are now believed to have served a decorative purpose rather than a functional one. Researchers suggest the teeth may have been attached to plant fibers to create a necklace or a headpiece. If confirmed, this represents the first identification of macropod incisor ornaments from a non-funerary context in northeast Australia, providing significant insight into the personal adornments used by ancient indigenous communities in the region.