Saturday, August 6, 2011

A STRANGE STONE


Its was raining today and I took a few minutes to video a stone I found recently on a spur above the high water line of the Murrumbidgee river behind Bonython. I have found Aboriginal stone tools in that general  area before (hence an occasional walking spot for me) and think this stone might be one too although it is unusual.

I have a fair idea of what I am looking for and was lucky enough to find one whilst walking with Peter Dowling on a walk of the northern ACT zig-zag border who confirmed, to me at least, that I knew what I was looking at. I think once you have seen a knapped stone or chip they stand out somewhat.

I have posts on ACT Aboriginal stone tools: - Symonston Aboriginal quarry (where I think this stone possibly came from) and Tidbinbilla stone artefacts photos of the displays at Tidbinbilla (with a great picture of a knapped stone). The photo above is of stone from the Symonston Quarry (left there).

A stone spear tip? a cutting tool? or just a natural formation? this video is just my pondering about what may or may not be an Aboriginal artefact...


Map of area where stone was found...

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2 comments:

  1. KeithAugust 7, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    I would say that if it was a knapped stone, the job was not finished. To make a decent spear head it needs more shaping. I have found very similar shaped rocks.
    Keith.
    http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com/

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  2. David R. ReidAugust 7, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    I've actually never heard of an Aboriginal stone spear tip Keith that's why I think it's an unusually knapped stone. But your right of course the knapping could indicate it was an unfinished something or even unsuitable and discarded perhaps. One of the napped edges is very sharp so another suggestion might be a 'handled' cutting implement or as I have admitted it could be nothing... Cheers

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