Lake Mungo
Lake Mungo, in the heart of the Willandra Lakes region of New South Wales, Australia, and traditional land of the the Barkandji/Paaka people, holds within its ancient shores a wealth of archaeological and cultural significance. Renowned for its haunting topography of ethereal landscapes, Lake Mungo holds fascinating stories of human history dating back thousands of years.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site gained global recognition due to the discovery of the remarkable remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, two of the world's oldest-known cremated human bodies. These ancient figures provide a glimpse into the lives of Australia's early inhabitants, their burial rituals, spiritual beliefs, and the challenges they faced in this arid landscape home.
If you look closely, the remnants and artefacts of their lives appear on the surface of the dry lake bed as the winds sweep across the lunette.
The unique landscape of Lake Mungo, with its expansive flat plains and sand dunes, contributes to a sense of timelessness, and the remote and quiet nature of the area leads me to moments of reflection. I find myself imaging the daily lives of the ancient peoples who lived on country here, and this gives me a deep, profound sense of connection to the stories and traditions of the First Nations people who have lived in the area for generations.
I contemplate the passage of time, the history embedded in the landscape, and my own place in the broader context of human existence.