My name is Chae (Shay), and I am the director of Old Tree Consulting.  I grew up in Wadja boodja, where I now live with my family. I studied archaeology at UWA many years ago, specalising in archaeobotany during my honours and PhD. I have been lucky enough to work with Knowledge Holders from across the Pilbara and Western Desert who have generously taught me so much about plants and Country.

 

After years of working in research projects and the odd consulting application, it became evident there is a great need to provide an opportunity for specalist research-level analysis to heritage compliance works. As such, I established Old Tree in 2024 to ensure archaeobotanical analysis is accessible directly to Aboriginal corporations, consulting and heritage engagements.

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Aboriginal culture is so intrinsically intertwined with Country - it is Country.  Despite this deep connection, archaeobotanical investigations remain underutilised in Australian archaeological investigations. This is especially difficult when archaeobotanical remains are so often recovered, yet are never analysed. 

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While large international palaeoenvironmental histories exist (e.g., from deep-sea pollen cores), archaeobotanical analyses from Australian sites provide a crucial foundation for understanding local climatic histories and microclimatic changes. This understanding of local histories allows for greater interpretation of people-plant relationships throughout time, revealing complex adaptations to the environment, deeply intertwined with the availability and management of plant resources. Anthracology (charcoal analysis) holds great potential for bridging this gap. Old Tree are proud to say we are one of only a few in Australia who can offer anthracological analysis, with unprecedented experience and reference sets for WA species. ​​​

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We are passionate about supporting other specialists and specialist applications such as zooarchaeology, tourism and heritage advice, and residue analyses. Please contact us for more information. 

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