Monitoring Rock Art Decay: Archival Image Analysis of Petroglyphs on Murujuga, Western Australia

Abstract

This paper considers the effects of industrialisation upon one of the world’s most significant rock art sites, Murujuga (Burrup Peninsula), located in north-west Western Australia. Photographs of 26 petroglyphs taken prior to or early in the industrialisation of the area were compared with recent photographs to assess whether the presence of industry is accelerating degradation. Fifty per cent of the petroglyphs showed indications of changes, and two showed substantial damage. The bulk of the changes can be attributed directly to industrial activity in the area which commenced in the 1960s. All changed petroglyphs, with two exceptions, were in relative proximity to industry. A reduction in industrial emissions is considered essential if damage to the rock art is to be limited and this iconic cultural place is to remain largely intact for future generations.