Mutawintji Historic Site Mutawintji National Park

Mutawintji Historic Site - Mutawintji National Park

Original Article
http://www.fnpw.com.au/OurProjects/CulturalHeritage/Mutawintji_Historic_site.htm

This spectacular area within Mutawintji National Park contains one of the best collections of Aboriginal art in New South Wales. Part of the traditional tribal area of the Malyankapa and Pandijkali people, it is particularly significant as it functioned as a ceremonial ground and was also a creation place.

The ancient engravings found at Mutawintji historic site are referred to as petroglyphs. Petroglyphs, which are said to be over 8000 years old, are shapes or patterns that have been pecked into the soft sandstone with sharp implements.

Along with sites in the Sydney Basin and Clarence River regions, Mutawintji Historic Site is one of only three known engraving sites in New South Wales. In comparison, painting sites are more common within the state and the park.

Mutawintji Historic Site was returned to its Aboriginal owners in 1998 and entry is now by guided tour only.