| 2 hammerstones | location unknown |  |
The two hammerstones in the collection are approximately 5-7cms in diameter, they are river pebbles (hence their round smooth appearance). The hammerstone is one of the most versatile and important tools in prehistoric Australia and also the Stone Age in other parts of the world.
Without a hammertsone the cores would have been struck using different methods which may not have produced the same quality flakes and implements. Although there are other methods for striking cores, the hammerstone is the most convenient and simple method. The following diagram shows the procedure of producing flakes with a core and hammerstone.
The production of a core and the resultant flakes using a hammerstone
(Schick & Toth, 1993: p121)
Not only was the hammerstone used used for knapping and trimming flakes, but also for the breaking and pounding of nuts, grains, seeds, bones and ochres. They are also used for shredding bark. However, the hammerstones in the collection are relatively small, so their main function was probably tool production and the grinding of small amounts of organic materials.
Girl preparing seeds at Yirrkalla, Arnhem Land
(McCarthy, 1976: p75)
This girl is clearly using a larger hammerstone and a grinding stone to work on.
An identifiable feature of any hammerstone is the pecked marks on the surface. This is a good indication of use as a stone implement some time ago. Hammerstones can be found right across Australia and they were a necesiity in any stone tool kit.
The article by R.V.S Wright entitled Stone Implements is a useful reference for the use of hammerstones in the production of stone tools.
