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The morphology, function and antiquity of Australian grinding implements
Author(s) -
Gorecki P.,
Grant M.,
O'Connor S.,
Veth P.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
archaeology in oceania
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1834-4453
pISSN - 0728-4896
DOI - 10.1002/j.1834-4453.1997.tb00380.x
Subject(s) - grinding , function (biology) , bedrock , sample (material) , pleistocene , morphology (biology) , core (optical fiber) , stone tool , archaeology , history , economic geography , engineering , geology , geography , paleontology , mechanical engineering , biology , evolutionary biology , chemistry , telecommunications , chromatography
This paper critiques a number of core assumptions about the age, form and function of grinding implements from Australia. Distinctions which have been drawn between so‐called amorphous versus formal grindstones and their associated functions are questioned given the effects of low sample size in earlier assemblages, me general lack of independent studies of grindstone function and the need to consider more thoroughly the use‐life cycles of this class of implements. The role of bedrock grinding patches in a seed‐based economy is examined. The possibility that intensive seed processing may have occurred in the Pleistocene is also canvassed.