AA 08 Groundaxes 13.06.08.Indd

Greenstone Axe blank (left) and Ground-edge Axe (right) How Did Aboriginal What are People Make Ground- Aboriginal edge Axes? Ground-edge Aboriginal people made Axes? ‘axe blanks’ by striking Ground-edge axes are large flakes of stone from stone chopping tools with rocky outcrops (see Mini cutting edges that were Poster 7), then roughly formed by grinding. shaping them. They They were often designed carried axe blanks across to have a handle. great distances for trading. Aboriginal ground-edge axes are usually rounded or oval The axes were often in shape, but may be slightly finished away from the elongated with a straighter, quarry. The tool maker sharpened end. would complete an axe by grinding to make a Where are They sharp cutting edge. Found? Ground-edge This edge, while not as sharp as a axes can be found almost chipped stone tool, anywhere where Aboriginal was much people camped or lived in Victoria. more durable. When the They may be found near axe- edge was broken or grinding grooves, axe quarries chipped, the axe could or burial sites. be sharpened again and again. G g was usually done on r sandstone outcrops, i often leaving deep n grooves. Sometimes d the whole axe was i ground to a smooth n glossy finish. Aboriginal people often used Why are Ground-edge Are Aboriginal Ground-edge natural resin and plant fibre or Axes Important? Axes Protected? kangaroo sinew to attach the axe Aboriginal ground-stone axes are The law protects all to a short wooden handle. an important link for Aboriginal Aboriginal cultural places How Did Aboriginal People people today with their culture and and artefacts in Victoria. It is Use Ground-edge Axes? their past. We know of the illegal to disturb or destroy custodians an Aboriginal place. Aboriginal people used axes to of some quarries where stone Ground-edge axes and other cut down small trees, chop axes were made, and their artefacts should not be removed wood, remove tree bark for descendants are still alive today. from site. canoes and shelters, butcher larger animals and undertake The axes are a valuable source of It is also illegal to buy or sell many other tasks. They also information about the past way of artefacts without a permit. used axes as weapons, life of Aboriginal people. Information about permits may be ceremonial objects and valuable obtained from the Office of Aboriginal Are Aboriginal Ground-edge Affairs Victoria. trade items. Axes under Threat? Many axes come from a large Ground-edge axes are strong and What to Do If You Find greenstone quarry at Mount durable. Unfortunately, because a Ground-edge Axe? William, near Lancefield. Axes they are obviously Aboriginal Do not disturb or remove it. from this quarry have been found artefacts, many have been taken by Check whether the object has up to 800 kilometres from Mount artefact collectors and the general the typical characteristics of an William, but not in the eastern half public. Aboriginal ground-edge axe. If it of Victoria. We know little about these collected does, record its location and write The Gunai/Kurnai people in the axes: information about their age, a brief description of its condition. east had their own quarries and original location and links with other Note whether it is under threat of system of trade. Studies of the artefacts has been lost forever. disturbance. distribution of Mount William axes have demonstrated that Natural processes such as wind Please help to preserve this trade boundary existed for a and water erosion may disturb Aboriginal cultural places long time, possibly several axes, but human interference such by reporting their presence thousand years. as ploughing and development to the Office of Aboriginal (and Affairs Victoria. What Natural Rocks Look particularly souvenir collecting) poses Contact: Similar to Ground-edge the greatest threat to these The Heritage Registrar Axes? artefacts. Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Ground-edge axes are easy to The office of Aboriginal Affairs PO Box 2392 distinguish from natural rocks. Victoria records the location, Melbourne VIC 3001 Smooth, hard, river pebbles may dimensions and condition of look like the axes, but they do not Aboriginal ground-edge axes. The Telephone: 1800 762 003 have the sharp edges. aim is to have a permanent written www.aboriginalaffairs.vic.gov.au and photographic record of this important part of the heritage of all Australians.

June 2008 Copyright Authorised ISBN 978-1-921331-59-6 This publication Victoria is without particular error, loss relying