A technical analysis of stone artefacts from Yam Camp surface scatter and rockshelter, S.E. Cape York Peninsula

Abstract

Technological analyses of stone artefacts in Australia (e.g. Hiscock 1982; 1984; 1989) and more generally (e.g. Flenniken 1985) have yielded insights into prehistoric human behaviour not obtained by analyses which are more typologically oriented.  To a large extent, previous work of this sort in S.E. Cape York Peninsula has been of the latter variety and have emphasized formal descriptions of assemblages over behavioural implications of technological change.  Nevertheless, major changes in raw material use and artefact size and range have been demonstrated (Flood and Horsfall 1986; Rosenfeld et al 1981; Wright 1971a).  By contrast, this paper targets aspects of two site assemblages in this region which were considered capable of yielding information concerning temporal changes in the way people have used stone for flaking.  These aspects include raw material and artefact size and form (see Hiscock 1984).