Archaeologists Uncover Millennia-Old Aboriginal String Craft in Australia

A remote rock shelter in northern Queensland, Australia, is shedding new light on ancient Aboriginal string craft, revealing a continuous tradition dating back at least 1,700 years. More than 500 fragments of plant fiber string and woven items were uncovered at Windmill Way, a site located deep within Quinkan Country, southeast of Cape York Peninsula.

Researchers say the discovery is rare. Organic materials like string, often made from plant and animal products, typically do not survive over time. However, environmental conditions at Windmill Way preserved these fragile objects, allowing archaeologists to trace how Aboriginal people crafted and used string over many generations.

The excavation, carried out in 2022, uncovered string fragments believed to have come from dillybags, nets, tassel belts and mourning necklaces. Dillybags served as practical carry bags, similar to modern backpacks, and were used by men, women and children.

Nets likely assisted in fishing along the nearby Laura River, but the presence of bird feathers suggests they may have also been used to catch birds. Tassel belts and mourning necklaces had ceremonial roles and were worn by adults or during rites of passage.

Preserved fibers reveal everyday and ceremonial uses

The items were compared to fibercraft pieces from the Queensland Museum, many of which were collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

🧵 A 1,700-year-old Aboriginal string craft tradition has been uncovered at a remote rock shelter in Cape York.

Archaeologists found over 500 preserved string fragments—once used in bags, nets, belts, and rituals—revealing a powerful story of cultural continuity.#Archaeology pic.twitter.com/JnYsZAYkyr

— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) November 20, 2025

Nicholas Hadnutt, acting senior curator of archaeology at the museum and a co-author of the study, said the project allowed researchers to connect ancient fragments with more recent objects and help Traditional Owners share their stories through material culture.

Among the preserved items were early-stage materials like stripped bark bundles, indicating Windmill Way may have functioned as a site for producing string. The structure of the string itself—including knots, loops and mesh—has changed very little over time, showing the resilience of this craft across centuries.

Ancient rock art depicts Aboriginal string craft in detail

Radiocarbon dating confirmed the oldest strings were made around 1,700 years ago. The most recent dated to the contact period following 1873, when explorer William Hann reported gold nearby and tens of thousands of miners arrived. European materials, including a piece of wire and a strip of red cloth, support evidence of continued Aboriginal use of the site into this period.

Painted rock art at Windmill Way adds another layer to the discovery. Quinkan-style images depict women wearing tassel belts and mourning strings, as well as dillybags and headbands. These artworks offer a visual record of string use in daily and ceremonial life.

Much of Cape York is now protected in national parks, with parts under review for World Heritage listing. The findings at Windmill Way highlight the cultural and historical significance of the region and underscore the need to preserve it.