Wailwan grindstone

  • Updated
    30/08/21
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Wailwan Grindstone (fragment)

Wailwan grindstone fragment, c 30,000 years old
Made by Ancestor
Sandstone
Australian Museum Collection.

Image: Abram Powell
© Australian Museum

Wailwan grindstone fragment, c 30,000 years old
Made by Ancestor
Sandstone
Australian Museum Collection.

This fragment from the rim of a grindstone found in the Cuddie Springs archaeological site, on Wailwan Country, demonstrates the longevity of food preparation dating back over 30,000 years.[1] Scientific analysis of the usewear and evidence of starch residue supports Aboriginal people’s assertion that they have been using grindstones to make flour for cooking for thousands of years.[2]

First Nations peoples have a long and deep understanding of land management; they did not randomly hunt or gather resources.[3] Country was systematically, seasonally, efficiently, and sustainably maintained; accessing food was not labour-intensive and traditional practices were suited to the local environment.

Grindstone E093370

This is an example of a complete grindstone (along with a top stone) from western New South Wales.

Image: Abram Powell
© Australian Museum

References:

  1. Dodson, J., Fullagar, R., Furby, J., Jones, R., & Prosser, I. (1993). Humans and megafauna in a late Pleistocene environment from Cuddie Springs, north western New South Wales. Archaeology In Oceania, 28(2), 94-99.
  2. Dodson, J., Fullagar, R., Furby, J., Jones, R., & Prosser, I. (1993). Humans and megafauna in a late Pleistocene environment from Cuddie Springs, north western New South Wales. Archaeology In Oceania, 28(2), 94-99. See also (regarding fragment CS6034): Fullagar, R., & Field, J. (1997). Pleistocene seed-grinding implements from the Australian arid zone. Antiquity, 71(272), 300-307.
  3. Fletcher, M. (2020). This rainforest was once a grassland savanna maintained by Aboriginal people. Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. From https:// epicaustralia.org.au/this-rainforest-wasonce-a-grassland[1]savanna-maintained-byaboriginal-people/ Gammage, B. (2012). The biggest estate on Earth: How Aborigines made Australia. Allen & Unwin