| 1 axe grinder | location unknown |  |
The axe grinder is approximately 15cms in length, and 10cms in width, it is made from a type of sandstone. It is an important implement used for stone working, because by rubbing an axe onto the grinding stone, it will produce a ground cutting edge on the axe. This particular axe grinder has two grooves on its surface, one appears larger than the other, probably for larger edged tools. The other groove for smaller tools, this groove does not appear as deep as the first.
These are two hatched heads from the collection. (note the smooth but sharp edges)
However, the grinding of stone implements is not restricted to a particular stone like the axe grinder, but any suitable rock face in any location. That way the axe grinder does not need to be transported with the tribe when moving from site to site. There are many known Aboriginal sites that contain axe grinding grooves in nearby stone outcrops.
Note the man crouching to the right is grinding an axe on the rock outcrop they are standing on.
(Parbury, 1988: p32)
The axe grinder's function is very similar to that of the grinding stone, however that was used for organic substances while the axe grinder was restricted to manufacturing axe heads.
