AND PETROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF STONE AXE EXCHANGE NETWORKS IN THE LAKE EYRE BASIN

This study provides a methodology for demonstrating changes in the use of technology and material culture through time and provides information about how and when those changes occurred. From the analysis of diet and of changing patterns in land use and it was concluded that the nature of stock work provided most Traditional Owners with continuous access to their traditional country and to bush foods throughout the station times. Stock work also ensured that hunting and gathering skills continued to be maintained. The analysis of material culture across the four periods demonstrates the extent to which metal and glass manufactured artifacts were recycled and utilized, particularly for the manufacture of traditional-type points and scapers. The number of traditional-type artefacts (including glass and metal) associated with food functions decreased across the four periods some remained in the archaeological record until the 1970s, the end of the "station times". Artefacts believed to be associated with ceremonial activities also decreased, although the decrease was less sharp than for those associated with food, and demonstrates that cultural activities associated with ceremony and ritual also continued until the end of the "station times"