Australian Aboriginal biface reduction techniques on the Georgina River, Camooweal, Queensland

Abstract

A technological analysis was recently completed on a collection of stone artefacts recovered during bridge construction at Camooweal, northwest Queensland. The results indicate that various bifacial reduction techniques were an integral part of the Aboriginal stone-working repertoire. A sophisticated knowledge of biface flaking and a multi-staged approach to manufacture is suggested by large hand axe-like bifaces and small bifacial points. The reduction techniques used in manufacturing these bifaces were also used on other elements in the stone toolkit.