In northern Queensland, Australia, archaeologists have uncovered rare evidence of Aboriginal string craft that dates back nearly 1,700 years. The discovery, made deep within the remote rock shelters of Quinkan Country, southeast of the Cape York Peninsula, includes more than 500 fragments of woven plant fibers. These delicate remains, found at a site known as Windmill Way, are providing new insight into the everyday and ceremonial lives of Aboriginal communities over centuries.
Organic materials such as string usually decompose over time, making this find especially significant. However, the dry, stable environment of the shelter helped preserve these fragile items. Researchers believe that the site was not just used for storing tools and equipment, but may also have served as a place where string was actively made.
Excavations in 2022 revealed fragments of various woven items, including nets, bags, belts, and necklaces. Each object played a unique role in Aboriginal life. Dillybags, for example, were practical carryalls used by both adults and children, much like backpacks today. Nets were likely used for fishing in the nearby Laura River and possibly for trapping birds, as suggested by the presence of bird feathers among the fibers.
Cultural objects offer a glimpse into the past
Some of the woven items were clearly made for ceremonial use. Researchers identified parts of tassel belts and mourning necklaces, which were traditionally worn by adults during significant events or rituals. The fibers themselves also included bark bundles in early stages of preparation, hinting that Windmill Way may have been used as a string-making workshop.
🧵 A 1,700-year-old Aboriginal string craft tradition has been uncovered at a remote rock shelter in Cape York.
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) November 20, 2025
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
The structure and technique of the strings — such as the way knots, loops, and mesh patterns were formed — show a remarkable consistency across centuries. Comparisons with items held by the Queensland Museum, many collected in the late 1800s and early 1900s, revealed that traditional string-making methods have changed very little.
Nicholas Hadnutt, acting senior curator of archaeology at the Queensland Museum and a co-author of the study, said these findings help connect ancient craftsmanship with more recent cultural traditions. This continuity is important not just to archaeology, but also to the Traditional Owners of the land, who continue to share their cultural knowledge through material practices.
Rock art adds a powerful visual record
Adding to the significance of the find is the surrounding rock art. Painted in a distinctive Quinkan style, the images include women adorned with tassel belts and mourning strings, as well as figures carrying dillybags and wearing headbands. These paintings serve as a visual record, confirming how these items were used in both daily life and spiritual practices.
Radiocarbon testing shows that the oldest string fragments are roughly 1,700 years old. The most recent samples date to the late 19th century, during the gold rush that followed explorer William Hann’s arrival in the region in 1873. Traces of wire and red cloth, materials introduced by European settlers, suggest that Aboriginal people continued to use the site even after contact with colonists.
Today, much of the Cape York region is protected within national parks. Some areas, including Quinkan Country, are under review for World Heritage listing. The Windmill Way findings not only highlight the cultural depth of the area but also emphasize the importance of preserving this rich and ongoing heritage.