Summary: Recorded during a field survey conducted prior to the construction of the Sydney to Newcastle freeway through Cowan, this Aboriginal engraving site was determined as being of significant anthropological significance.

Located along the Vize spur in Cowan, this Aboriginal engraving site was described as “a site with considerable anthropological interest” in a report by J.C. Lough (which was conducted to identify carving sites in the vicinity of the Sydney to Newcastle freeway). Interestingly, while this site was identified as a new site in the 1967 report by J.C. Lough, the site was documented earlier by McCarthy and Hansen in 1960 (Mankind Vol 5, No. 9).

site sketch Vize Spur engraving site

The most prominent figures are two men who are depicted “head to head”.

AWAT8349 LR highlighted Vize Spur engraving site

The larger male figure has elaborate markings on its upper body.

AWAT8329 LR Vize Spur engraving site

The second male figure is more crudely drawn, but has well defined fingers and elongated

AWAT8331 LR Vize Spur engraving site

Further up the rock platform is a woman, who has both two distinct breasts and an elongated penis.

AWAT8388 LR Vize Spur engraving site
AWAT8390 LR Vize Spur engraving site

Near the woman is what was described by J.C. Lough as a “phallic symbol”, but may be a club.

AWAT8368 LR Vize Spur engraving site

Traversing the Aboriginal engraving site are two lines of mundoes (at least 23 have been recorded).

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