Rhys Jones (archaeologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rhys Jones
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| Born |
Rhys Maengwyn Jones
26 February 1941 Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales
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| Died | 19 September 2001 (aged 60) Australia
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Archaeologist |
| Years active | 1963–2001 |
| Known for | Tasmanian research |
Rhys Maengwyn Jones AO (born February 26, 1941 – died September 19, 2001) was an important archaeologist. He was born in Wales and later became an Australian citizen. He is famous for his research into the history of Indigenous Australians.
Early Life and Education
Rhys Jones was born in a town called Blaenau Ffestiniog in Wales. He went to Whitchurch Grammar School in Cardiff. He then studied archaeology at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in England. Rhys Jones could speak Welsh very well.
Career in Australia
In 1963, Rhys Jones moved to Australia. He started teaching at the University of Sydney. There, he earned his PhD by studying the archaeology of Aboriginal people in Tasmania.
In 1969, he moved to the Australian National University. He worked there for the rest of his career. He was also a special professor at the University of Wales, Newport. For one year, he was a visiting professor at Harvard University in the United States.
Rhys Jones was married to another archaeologist, Betty Meehan. In the 1970s, they traveled to Arnhem Land. They lived with and observed the Anbarra people to learn about their culture.
Key Discoveries
Rhys Jones played a big part in figuring out when Aboriginal Australians first arrived. He used methods like radiocarbon dating and other techniques. Radiocarbon dating helps scientists find the age of old objects. He studied the history of Indigenous Australians in general.
He also gave a name to an Aboriginal practice called "cultural burning." He called it fire-stick farming. This is when people carefully use fire to manage the land.
Awards and Recognition
In 2002, Rhys Jones was given a special award. It was called the Officer of the Order of Australia. He received it for his great work in archaeology. This included his research, teaching, and efforts to protect world heritage sites. He also worked on issues related to conservation and social justice for Indigenous people.
Legacy
After Rhys Jones passed away, the Australian Archaeological Association created an award in his honor. It is called the Rhys Jones Medal. This medal was first given out in 2002. It is the highest award given by the Australian Archaeological Association. Some famous winners include John Mulvaney and Isabel McBryde.
