On an earlier trip, Bob and myself had spent a bit of effort looking for an Aboriginal art site that is described in “Blue Mountains Dreaming” edited by Eugene Stockton. in the book, Stockton describes a cave, nit too far way from the well known Red Hands Cave that features some very unusual engravings. As well as the engravings, there is also some ochre art – including a boomerang motif, and the cave has become know as “The Golden Boomerang Cave”. On this trip, we looked for it again, and investigated some more gullies and we had success.
The photo below shoes one of the engravings. It is a human figure lying down, and looking towards the left. You can see a large bottom and two legs. The upper part is a bit indistinct.
The photo below shows the golden boomerang (orange ochre) in the middle, and to the right is another human figure – upright with outstretched arms. It is very hard to discern.
Here is Bob in the cave –
There is an upright figure here with some ochre hand stencils –
And this seems to be a charcoal drawing of a dog –
The IDStretch software on my iPhone is good for bring out the ochre art –
Not far from the cave, in the streamed, are one or two sharpening grooves –
According to Stockton, the engravings are not considered authentic by NPWS archeologists. One reason is there are no other examples of human figures with prominent buttocks other Aboriginal art sites.
The engravings are very hard to discern – especially in the gloomy overhang. But they look old. Very old. And the ochre art does look genuine Aboriginal art, and it seems to be over the engravings. Also there are the nearby sharpening grooves. Stockton also points out that an earlier observer in Red Hands Cave made out two engravings in the cave of male figures – with prominent buttocks.
It is a very interesting cave and well worth the effort in finding it.
Horned Orchid – Orthoceras strictum
We then visited Pisgah Rock Lookout for a great view of Erskine Creek Gorge –
And we visited the Attic Cave –
This had a charcoal engraving. Probably of European origin.
Next we headed to Tunnel View Lookout – which we thought would be a good spot for lunch. It was.
Cymbidium suave orchid
We had a great view of Glenbrook Gorge.
And a Peregrine Falcon was flying –
Glenbrook Gorge
Next stop was Mt Portal. Here we could look down to the Nepean River and Cumberland Plain.
We then look for more Aboriginal art sites. We went down a small creek.
Rock Orchid – Cestichus reflexus
This cave was good –
This had been a very interesting walk.