Abstract
The concept of a toolkit has been used to describe functional aspects of lithic assemblages since the 1960s, but has proved difficult to define. The history of the concept, which emerged from the analysis of European Mousterian assemblages by the Binfords and Bordes, is traced from its roots to the present day. In Australia it has become a generalised term which has been used to explain the complete range of technologies available to a culture, as well as defining strategies for risk management and mobility. This research investigates the concept and its applicability to Australian lithic assemblages.In 1970 a cache of 105 stone artefacts was discovered at the top of a sand dune in the arid landscape of the South Australian Arcoona Plateau. Its finder interpreted the cache as ‘a comprehensive woodworking kit’. This 'tool-kit' is compared with assemblages from four campsites collected from nearby Mungappie Creek by the same person, to analyse the existence of toolkit structures in lithic assemblages. The results indicate that the toolkit cache was a unique collection of artefact and material types that were scarce at any of the four campsite assemblages. The conclusion is that there are profound differences between discard assemblages and discrete entities such as caches and toolkits, suggesting the need for a revision of the toolkit concept from a generalised to a specific terminology.
| Date of Award | 2010 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Alice Gorman (Principal Supervisor) |