Secrets of the Wurundjeri people: what the Australian earthen rings conceal (photos).

On the hills surrounding Melbourne, Australia, earth mounds in the shape of rings have persisted to this day, intriguing both locals and researchers. These sites, known as earth rings, are not natural formations but constructions created by the Indigenous Wurundjeri people of the Woiwurrung language group, writes The Conversation.

A recent study reveals new findings obtained during the first archaeological excavations of one of these rings in the last four decades. The research, conducted under the guidance of the Wurundjeri people, combined scientific analysis with cultural understanding to uncover the history of these structures.

Earth rings, which can also be found in regions such as England, the Amazon, and Cambodia, are created by digging and piling earth into large circular shapes. In eastern Australia, these formations are believed to hold sacred significance, serving as ceremonial sites for groups of Indigenous people.

Unfortunately, many of these rings have been destroyed as a result of colonization and land development, with only about 100 intact in New South Wales and Queensland, and even fewer documented in Victoria.

In 2022, the Wurundjeri people led the excavation of the Sanbury Ring G, one of five earth rings in the Sanbury area. This ring lies between the traditional lands of the Marin Buluk and Wurundjeri Woiwurrung clans and holds cultural and historical significance.

Archaeological studies have shown that the ring was constructed between 590 and 1,400 years ago. During its creation, people speaking the Woiwurrung language cleared the land, dug the soil, laid stones, lit fires, and crafted tools for various purposes, including ritual practices.

Analysis of 166 stone artifacts from previous excavations revealed traces of their use in making feather ornaments and for scarification—practices linked to ritual traditions. Careful re-collection and analysis of the remains of these artifacts provided insights into how they were used in both daily and ritual activities.

This study underscores the importance of preserving earth rings, especially considering that ongoing land development and climate change threaten their existence. By combining cultural and archaeological knowledge, researchers highlight the significance of these sites, which serve as enduring symbols of history, culture, and connection to the land.

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