Lessons from other Continents: Comparing Lithic Regional Records from Southern Deserts

BORRAZZO, KAREN; DITCHFIELD, KANE

Karratha

Conferencia; 5th Southern Deserts Conference: Desertscapes; 2018

University of Western Australia

The Southern Deserts Conference has an emphasis on presenting research from different deserts across the southern hemisphere to foster valuable comparative discussion. We aim to achieve one such comparative dialogue by comparing two southern hemisphere stone artefact records from arid landscapes in Western Australia and Patagonia. The paper will focus on three key approaches to stone artefact analysis: technological studies, taphonomic studies and distributional studies (i.e. raw material sourcing and mobility). We use case studies from both regions to demonstrate the value of these analytical approaches towards reconstructing stone artefact assemblage formation and its potential links to past human behaviour. In doing so, we find particular strengths and weaknesses in the stone artefact records from Western Australia and Patagonia. This exposes exciting avenues for future work and emphasizes the value of comparative research.