The race against time: Salvaging Brisbane's early history
In a sterile office, a young archaeologist, Emily Totivan, is piecing together fragments of Brisbane's past. These shards, once part of dinner plates used a century and a half ago, offer a glimpse into the city's early days as a river port. Totivan, an archaeology student, is part of a new generation eager to explore and preserve history.
Despite popular culture's fascination with Egyptian tombs and Viking treasures, many of her peers will focus on urban archaeology, examining everyday objects like these blue China plates. Totivan, however, is drawn to the challenge, saying it's like solving the world's hardest puzzle.
Brisbane is on the cusp of a salvage archaeology boom due to the upcoming 2032 Olympics. The city will undergo significant infrastructure changes, including a proposed 63,000-seat stadium on a heritage-listed site. This presents a unique opportunity for archaeologists like Totivan and Elisha Kilderry, who study genetics and archaeology.
Kilderry, passionate about the past since childhood, initially envisioned working in Europe or remote Indigenous digs. Instead, she's sifting through the William Street assemblage, everyday fragments from the 1870s to 1890s. The team salvages unusual items, like chamberpots and ornate toilet seats, offering insights into the era's daily life.
The William Street objects, dislodged by a burst water main during the 2011 floods, hold little scientific value due to their violent removal. However, they are acquired for their emotional significance. Archaeology, according to curator Nick Hadnutt, is as much a physical pursuit as an intellectual one, offering a tangible connection to history.
John Duckett, a 21-year-old student, volunteers for digs, valuing the physical experience over digital simulations. Despite the challenges, these archaeologists work tirelessly, knowing their efforts preserve Brisbane's rich history for future generations.
