Assemblage variability in the Willandra Lakes

Abstract

An examination of existing typological descriptions of the stone artefact assemblages from the Willandra Lakes facilitates the development of basic models about assemblage variability in the region. After defining some of the limitations of the data set we illustrate well-defined spatial patterns in assemblage composition and hypothesise that they reflect a strategy of provisioning he lunette landscape with stone artefacts that were robust and with a comparatively high potential for further use/reduction. These conclusions undermine the notion of the 'Core tool and scraper tradition' as an appropriate depiction of assemblage composition and variability in the Willandra Lakes region. Show more