Stone Soup: A Residue Analysis of Artefacts From Roof Fall Cave, Cania Gorge, Central Queensland

Abstract

This thesis reports the findings of a residue analysis of artefacts from Roof Fall Cave, Cania Gorge, Central Queensland, excavated as part of the Gooreng Gooreng Cultural Heritage Project. The site has been dated to 18,576 cal BP and as such is the first Pleistocene site found in the area. In order to understand better what Aboriginal people were doing in the past, a systematic screening of the residues on an assemblage of stone artefacts from the site was undertaken. The residue analysis techniques used were light microscopy and the Hemastix TM Â colorimetric blood test. These techniques provide a simple, rapid method of screening an assemblage of artefacts. Plant residues of fibres, woody tissue, starch and cellulose were found to be present on over 90% of the artefacts from all levels of the deposit. These residues and their patterning on the artefacts help indicate what tasks were performed using the artefacts. These data can be used to build a picture of site-use over time. I conclude, on the basis of the residue evidence, that the rockshelter was used as a short-term occupation site for small groups where activities of repair and manufacture took place. Â