New radiocarbon dates from Kirriri 4: extending the 2,500 BP signature for the onset of the Torres Strait Cultural Complex to south Western Torres Strait, Northeast Queensland

Abstract

This paper presents new radiocarbon dates from an excavation undertaken on the island of Kirriri in Kaurareg Country in south Western Torres Strait (northeastern Queensland). AMS radiocarbon determinations for the Kirriri 4 site places an early phase of major cultural activity to c. 2,700 to c. 2,300 cal. BP, and a more recent phase to c. 500 cal. BP. The earlier phase corresponds with the timing of the establishment of the Torres Strait Cultural Complex c. 2,500 years ago. The Kirriri 4 dating results are significant as they represent the southern-most island distribution of this cultural complex and play a key role in better understanding the nature and timing of settlement, maritime specialisation and other cultural transformation occurring in the broader region.