Assemblage Formation as a Result of Raw Material Acquisition in Western New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Quarries are often defined as locations where people in the post gained access to raw material. Here we consider the definition of quarries in a raw material-rich environment. Stone artifacts found adjacent to two silcrete outcrops that might be labeled as “quarries” are compared with those found at a creek-side “occupation “location in western New South Wales, Australia. We investigate these attributions by considering the technology of raw material procurement in relation to the chronology implied by the age of the surfaces on which the artifacts rest. We assess assemblage patterning in relation to the time period over which assemblages were deposited at each of the locations. Time provides a more useful means than function for understanding differences in assemblage composition.