Manufacturing stone implements

  Zoom Peter Budge places stones in the fire to facilitate splitting and flaking, part of the manufacturing process for stone tools, weapons and utensils.   Zoom Peter Budge splits flakes from a core stone, while Charlie Murray and a youth place stones in the fire. In the background, a youth sits holding a heliman (shield).   Zoom Charlie Murray demonstrates an aspect of the flaking process at the southern end of Lighthouse Beach.   Zoom After splitting the stone, Charlie Murray shapes the implement by grinding.   Zoom Having hafted the axe head, Neil Morcom, Charlie Murray and Peter Budge shape and sharpen the implement against a slab of sandstone. Today grooves left in the sandstone provide evidence of this activity.
Main A project from the National Museum of Australia