The Acheulean Downunder: modern human 'handaxes' from the Barkly Tableland of northern Australia

Abstract

Much research has been completed on British lithic scatters over the past 30 years, principally on field techniques and site formation processes including three ‘Lithic Scatters Projects’ in England, Scotland and Wales. Despite this and the publication of a guidance note for planners and conservation officers, it still appears that archaeologists in the curatorial and academic sectors undervalue the contribution of lithic scatters. This paper will review the progress over the past 30 years and consider lithic scatters in terms of their: Value, Meaning and Protection.