Ethnographic Surveys & Cultural Anthropology.
Aboriginal Archaeology & Anthropology >
Trace Archaeology
Capturing what country means. Recording what it holds.
Ethnographic surveys are the discipline through which the intangible cultural heritage of Aboriginal country is identified, documented and understood. Where archaeological surveys record the physical evidence of past occupation — artefacts, stone arrangements, rock art, scarred trees — ethnographic surveys capture something equally important and often more profound: the stories, beliefs, spiritual connections, cultural practices and ongoing relationships that Traditional Owners and Cultural Custodians hold with their country. Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, both tangible and intangible cultural heritage values are recognised and protected. Trace Archaeology's anthropologists are among the most experienced in WA at documenting both.
We conduct ethnographic surveys for developers, miners, exploration companies and government agencies that need a complete picture of the cultural heritage values of their project area — and for Aboriginal Corporations and Traditional Owners who want their cultural knowledge recorded, preserved and protected for future generations. Our anthropologists approach every ethnographic engagement with the respect, sensitivity and cultural awareness that this work demands.
Our ethnographic surveys involve meaningful, structured engagement with Traditional Owners and Cultural Custodians — on country where possible — to document the cultural values, stories, spiritual significance and ongoing connections associated with the landscape, sites and features within the survey area. We capture both what can be shared publicly and, where Traditional Owners request it, confidential information that is documented separately and protected from general access. Every aspect of our ethnographic research is conducted under the guidance of Traditional Owner representatives, and every report is reviewed and approved by those representatives before it is finalised.
Our anthropologists work alongside our archaeologists on joint heritage surveys — integrating ethnographic and archaeological data to produce comprehensive heritage assessments that reflect the full cultural significance of the survey area. This integrated approach produces richer, more accurate heritage records and stronger Section 18 applications than surveys that treat ethnographic and archaeological work as separate disciplines.
We operate across the full breadth of WA and the NT — from the southwest to the Pilbara, Kimberley, Goldfields and beyond — maintaining long-term relationships with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner groups that give our ethnographic work the depth and authenticity it requires.
Trace Archaeology is a division of Trace Enterprises — Perth's only fully integrated heritage, environmental and planning consultancy.
Every heritage and environmental project starts with the right conversation.
Whatever your heritage or environmental project needs, Trace Archaeology and Trace Ecology is ready to help. Talk to our team today — no obligation.