Proliferation of Backed Artefacts in Holocene Australia

ABSTRACT

The following paper provides a critical evaluation of recent explanations for the appearance and proliferation of backed artefacts in Australian assemblages during the Holocene. By focussing on assemblage characteristics and use-wear studies, it concludes that backed artefacts were a response to changing climatic conditions. However, this essay will argue that this model does not explain what risks were caused by environmental change and it does not consider regional variation. As such, it is emphasised that more research is necessary, and that a social explanation should be considered.

ESSAY

Backed artefacts are found throughout south-eastern Australia. They first appear in the archaeological record in the late Pleistocene (Slack et al. 2004) but dramatically increase in numbers between 4,000 and 3,500 years ago (Attenbrow et al. 2009). In fact, backed artefacts increase by almost 200 times when compared to Pleistocene numbers (Hiscock, 2008 p.156). Then, from about 1,500 years ago, they decline and seemingly disappear by the time of British colonisation. Explanations for this proliferation during the Holocene have caused much debate among archaeologists. One hypothesis, led by archaeologist Peter Hiscock (2002; 2006; 2008 p. 158) argues that backed artefacts were a response to climate change and El Nino-Southern Oscillation patterns. Drawing on recent use-wear studies, he asserts that backed artefacts were used for a variety of functions which made them attractive in a high risk environment. However, Frankel & Stern (2011) question this hypothesis, arguing that backed artefacts are numerous even in areas with abundant plant and animal food. White (2011) also questions this explanation for the proliferation of backed artefacts, arguing that there is not enough evidence to suggest that El Nino caused a lack in resources. Instead, he advocates a more social explanation. While use-wear studies may disprove this argument as the sole reason behind the existence of backed artefacts, it does help explain why these tools appear across such a large area of Australia when risk was not apparent. It is argued that backed artefacts may have proliferated due to their function and highly economic use of raw material during a time of high risk. However, emphasis is placed on the need to examine the risks caused by climate change during the Holocene and to consider that, at least in some areas, backed artefacts held a social function.

For some archaeologists the abundance of backed artefacts during the Holocene provides evidence of adaption to changing environments. This is because the proliferation coincides with a period of cooler and drier climate conditions (Attenbrow et al. 2009). In addition, Holocene Australia was also experiencing intensified El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climatic patterns. Historically, ENSO events have resulted in