DSC 0117

Springbank archaeology project

News
Mar 10, 2015

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

Learning about stone knapping
Learning about stone knapping
Note the gloves and safety glasses- something the original stone tool makers didn't have!
Note the gloves and safety glasses- something the original stone tool makers didn't have!
We acknowledge Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their many diverse communities across our nation and their rich culture. We pay respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water across the Australian landscape and seascape. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people to Australian life and how their contribution continues to enrich our society.