Microlith

Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail

Description
Quartzite microlith. Possibly the broken tip off of a larger point. Flake scars on dorsal surface, some usewear/retouch along lateral margins.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander point - unifacial
Measurements
L19.4 x W14.4mm
Media/Materials description
Quartzite
History and use
Microliths (small stone flakes) have often been regarded as 'waste' or 'debitage' from the manufacture of larger stone tools, but they could also be used as tools themselves. The use of small flakes is well documented. In many parts of Queensland small flakes of stone were used to make barbed spears, while in other areas small, sharp flakes were used for scarification of the body. This example was collected from a surface scatter in Mt. Isa, Queensland, by John Mathew, a surveyor for a mining company.

Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Associated person
Registration number
S925.11

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