Watura Jurnti: A 42000-45000-year-long occupation sequence from the north-eastern Pilbara

Watura Jurnti (DAA #6287) was first occupied in 42000-45000 BP, with evidence of occupation continuing through the arid LGM and deglacial period to c.15000 BP. There was a very pronounced reduction in both occupation and deposition between c.15000 and 1500 BP. The small size and nature of the stone artefact assemblage indicates that use of the shelter has been intermittent and non-intensive throughout most of the past 42-45 ka. Watura Jurnti is on an isolated ridge on the northern margin of the Pilbara and its occupational history shows that the more marginal areas of the arid zone, including the sandy and stony deserts of adjacent to the northern Pilbara, were subject to intermittent visitation before, during and after the LGM. RESUME Watura Jurnti (DAA #6287) a ete la premiere occupee 42000-45000 BP, avec des traces d'occupation continue a travers les LGM aride et la periode de deglaciation a c.15000 BP. Il y avait une reduction tres marquee en occupation et depots entre c.15000 et 1500 BP. La petite taille et la nature de l'assemblage de pierre artefact indique que l'utilisation de l'abri etait intermittente et non intensive pendant la majeure partie du passe ka 42-45. Watura Jurnti est sur une crete isolee de la marge nord du Pilbara et ses antecedents montre que les regions plus marginales des zones arides, y compris les deserts sablonneux et caillouteux voient le Pilbara Nord, ont fait l'objet intermittent droit de visite avant, pendant et apres le dernier maximum glaciaire.