An Analysis of Motif Clusters at the Nanguluwurr Rock Art Site, Kakadu National Park, N. T. Australia

Recent analysis of Nanguluwurr, a rock art site within Kakadu National Park's Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) complex, reveals distinct clusters of motifs—spirit figures, material culture, fish, and painted hands—suggesting 'meaning clusters' that may reflect bursts of painting activity spanning millennia. The study identifies these motif groupings as significant markers of cultural expression, linking ancient Dynamic Figures to more recent X-ray fish depictions. By examining spatial distribution and chronological sequences, researchers propose that the site's artistry evolved in discrete phases, offering insights into its role within a broader cultural landscape.

Hayward, J. A., May, S. K., Goldhahn, J., Jalandoni, A., & Taçon, P. S. C. (2021). An Analysis of Motif Clusters at the Nanguluwurr Rock Art Site, Kakadu National Park, N. T. Australia. Journal of Field Archaeology, 46(6), 414–428. https://doi.org/10.1080/00934690.2021.1926698