Backed to the Pleistocene

Abstract

AbstractThe recent identification of Australian backed artefacts dating to the early Holocene by Hiscock and Attenbrow (1998) opens the way for new explorations into the origin, distribution and use of these implements across Sahul. In particular, it draws attention to the fact that the technology of backed artefact production should not be seen as innovative but as an adaptive response to changing technological demands on stone tools. Using information on bipolar flaking and anvil retouching from Pleistocene Tasmania, I argue that backing has been part of the technological repertoire of Aboriginal Australians for at least 30,000 years. These new data suggest that understanding the appearance of backed artefacts at different time periods and at different places, including the major efflorescence in the last 4500 years, has more to do with local changes in technological organisation (particularly the use of hafting) and the relative application of existing flaking techniques using anvils rather than diffusion of a new technology with possible Asian origins. Results have implications for the integrity of the Core Tool and Scraper Tradition.