Regions and resources

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to bring together several topics for the purpose of site prediction and significance assessment in management archaeology. This was approached as a survey project along a great transect with three sample areas at Boorowa, Cobar and Tibooburra. The field operation was concerned with the methodology of sampling by transect and quadrat, land systems analysis, sample unit coverage and site recording. A technological system for classifying, recording and analysing stone artefacts was developed in order to compare the artefact assemblages within and among the sample areas. The results of the survey showed that the main determinants of artefact morphology were the material type, logistics of access and transport, and the reduction strategy. Few assemblages provided indications of functional differences. Sites with a substantial portion of microblade manufacture were found to be distinctive in terms of the rest of the stone assemblage and site structure. These also were mostly in fine­ grained mosaic environments, and were interpreted as "microblade base camps", with differences in land use strategies from other sites which are presumed to be later in time. Broader patterns of regional variation show a "core tool oriented" pattern east of the Bogan River, and a "flake tool oriented" pattern to the west. Other details concerning hearths, grinding stones and specialised flake tool manufacturing processes were found to vary along the great transect. Methods for measuring this regional variation are proposed in the form of Stone Technological Regions, Land Systems Divisions, Cultural Adaptive Areas and Archaeological Formations. The thesis project and its results are presented as a methodological and theoretical model for developing a research framework in management archaeology.