The Gilparrka site complex, Mithaka Country, southwest Queensland, Australia

This paper describes three archaeological sites in Mithaka Country in southwest Queensland, the Gilparrka site complex. Gilparrka Almira is dominated by engraved crescent motifs, and is surrounded by an extensive artefact scatter resulting from the exploitation of silcrete outcrops. The quality of the silcrete and the intensity of exploitation suggest that the material was redistributed through an extensive trade/exchange system. An engraved wavy line at Gilparrka Almira may represent a snake, recording an association with the travels of the Rainbow Serpent and refecting the importance of the silcrete resource. Two culturally modifed trees may be markers, also signifying the importance of the location.