Microlith
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Quartz microlith. Crescentic in shape, triangular in cross-section. Usewear/retouch along margin.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander microlith
Measurements
L21.9 x W11.1mm
Media/Materials description
Quartz
History and use
Microliths (small stone flakes) have often been regarded as 'waste' or 'debitage' from the manufacture of larger 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 Cloncurry, Queensland, by John Mathew, a surveyor for a mining company.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Associated person
Registration number
S929.19
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