SESSION 1 – Raw material exploitation strategies – mining and surface collecting
Variability of lithic sites north of Melbourne, Victoria: A case study

This presentation shows the results of a recent consulting project which conducted an archaeological assessment of a 28 kilometre section of a pipeline route that traverses a range of landforms and ecological vegetation communities north of Melbourne in Victoria (Australia). The assessment included a detailed ground surface survey, sub-surface testing of known sites and areas of potential archaeological deposits as well as larger scale controlled salvage excavation of sites prior to pipeline works. This project provides a useful case study in artefact analysis across a broad area and within the 16 sites investigated that were formed during the late Holocene. The differences between the sites, locations and contents are subtle but reflect decisions about pre-contact procurement patterns, including possible trade with adjoining clans, preferences of manufacturing techniques and variation of site contents with landform. The field investigations were undertaken with representatives of the relevant aboriginal groups, who consider these projects as adding significantly to their knowledge of traditional occupation of their lands.