Mungo footprint mould
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Based on an Ancestor’s footprint, c 20,000 years old
Mould, 2005
Jute, latex, plaster
Australian Museum Collection
© Australian Museum
Based on an Ancestor’s footprint, c 20,000 years old
Mould, 2005
Jute, latex, plaster
Australian Museum Collection
Aboriginal peoples have walked this land for hundreds of generations. Ancient footprints preserved in the claypans of Willandra Lakes, New South Wales are estimated to be about 20,000 years old. These are the oldest footprints found in Australia, and the world’s largest set of Ice Age footprints.[1]
The Barkandji/Paakantji, Ngiyampaa, and Mutthi Mutthi peoples have unbroken connection to these footprints and they still continue to walk on Country in the footsteps of their Ancestors. The world’s oldest living culture is deeply rich, and there is much to be celebrated about Aboriginal peoples’ continuous occupation in Australia.
Ancient footprints near Lake Mungo, NSW.
Image: Stuart Humphreys© Australian Museum
No Distance Between Us (2018)
All Aboriginal people can relate to the footprint site. “ It shows we have always been here; we have been telling people we have come from here, this is where our Dreaming began here in Australia. And it’s like the scientists are only just catching up with that Leanne Mitchell (Paakantji), from the short documentary film, No Distance Between Us (2018).
References:
- Mungo National Park. (2021). Ancient Footprints. From http://www.visitmungo.com. au/ancient-footprints
