20/05/2015
Springbank Archaeology Project open day
Learning about stone knapping
As part of a joint Australian National University and Canberra Archaeological Society program of archaeological investigation on Springbank Island in Lake Burley Griffin, ACT, our lithic artefact specialist Dr Oliver Macgregor conducted a workshop on stone knapping for the project’s public open day last April. Stone knapping involves the manufacture and maintenance of stone tools by the careful removal of flakes using a variety of techniques. The day attracted a wide range of visitors aged from 4 to over 70, with many participating in a final day of site excavations. The program recovered traces of both Aboriginal and European occupation. Oliver’s knapping display revealed the specialised knowledge used by Springbank’s earliest occupants in creating a stone toolkit for early Canberra living.
The Springbank Archaeology Project is funded by ACT Heritage.
Photos courtesy of Iain Johnston
Use the following links for more information on the Springbank Archaeological Project:
https://www.facebook.com/Springbankdig
http://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/springbank-island-archaeologists-find-aboriginal-artefacts
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-22/more-than-100-treasures-excavated-on-springbank-island/6413216
Demonstrating stone knapping on Springbank Island
