Desert camps: a case study of stone artefacts and Aboriginal behaviour in the Western Desert

Abstract

This thesis attempts to ascertain what aspects of the behaviour of a hunter gatherer society can be interpreted from a study of stone tools. It is set in the northern part of the Western Desert among a traditional group of Gugadja/Pintubi speaking Aborigines. In pursuit of this goal the thesis presents a case study of the traditional environmental, social and economic characteristics of these Aborigines. It also employs the technique of seeking the Aborigines’ view of their Own technology and thus defines the functions of stone tools used in the region during the past. The proportional variation in these traditionally defined categories of artefacts at different camp sites are examined and compared to a series of predictive statements derived from Aboriginal testimony of site use regarding the proportion of stone tools which should be found at sites if stone tools do provide an accurate and reliable indication of Aboriginal behaviour. Anomalies in the distribution of these artefacts are discussed and the various aspects of Aboriginal behaviour which can be inferred from a study of stone tools are defined.