Early silcrete heat treatment in Central Australia: Puritjarra and Kulpi Mara

Research on the Willandra Lakes Region reveals a distinct evolutionary trend in stone heat treatment practices in Central Australia, marking one of the earliest instances of such techniques on the continent. Unlike other regions where heat treatment became more prevalent over time, Central Australia shows a decline from high levels during the Pleistocene to moderate levels in the Mid- to Late Holocene. This transition suggests regional diversification and adaptation to local conditions, contradicting the notion of technological uniformity across Australia. The study employs new data on the antiquity of heat treatment to trace its evolution, providing insights into early human technological practices.

Schmidt, P., & Hiscock, P. (2020). Early silcrete heat treatment in Central Australia: Puritjarra and Kulpi Mara. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 12(8). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-020-01163-6