Prehistoric Aboriginal land and resource use in southeast Cape York Peninsula: A technological view

摘要: This research for a BA (Hons) thesis was concerned with two issues of current debate in Australian prehistory. These were: the nature and timing Pleistocene occupation inland areas continent, behavioural implications mid- to late Holocene changes archaeological record. To address these issues, model land resource use throughout period Aboriginal study area southeast Cape York Peninsula constructed. tested refined using technological analysis stone artefacts from Sandy Creek 1, rockshelter providing dated sequence early European contact. Other, previously excavated, sites provided comparative data. In constructing change during area, an historical derived ethnographic ethno-historic studies surveys distribution area. Changes this prehistory were hypothesized discussions climatic environmental human occupation. The concern patterns use. It is well known that different produce spatial temporal are particularly evident prehistoric artefact flaking strategies. also established strategies (eg efficiency reduction, raw material use) may be reconstructed artefacts. noted resident population arid phase last glaciation, mid-to late-Holocene increase intensity exploitation resources, visible simultaneously number media. Aspects economic demographic differ those described other parts continent. demonstrates best examined regional context.