The many functions of Aboriginal tools by Eva Martellotta

Eva Martellotta is a PhD candidate at the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution at Griffith University where she is studying the multipurpose nature of hardwood boomerangs in Australian Aboriginal culture.

In her presentation Eva will discuss how Australian Aboriginal communities were using boomerangs to modify the edges (and thus the function) of stone tools. She has identified usage marks on the surfaces of boomerangs from the Australian Museum collection. Through experiments using replica boomerangs and stone tools, Eva can demonstrate how using boomerangs to modify stone tools left peculiar marks on the surfaces of the wood. 

Come along to the presentation (following the Friends AGM) at 2pm on Saturday 19^th February to learn more about this surprisingly little known use of the boomerang by Aboriginal craftsmen.

An afternoon tea will follow the talk. Please pre-book to secure your seat.

Our facilities and staff will be well equipped to create the safest possible environment to minimise any possible risk of Covid-19 transmission. Please see COVIDSAFE information below.

• You are required to check in via the Check In Qld app.
• Masks must be worn indoors. You do not need to wear a mask outdoors if you can remain 1.5 metres away from others that are not members of your household. Children under 12 years and people affected by a medical condition or disability do not lawfully have to wear a face mask.
• Please stay at home if you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19; such as a headache, fever, coughing or a sore throat.
• If you are a close contact or have been diagnosed with Covid-19, please stay home until you have completed your 7-day isolation period and are no longer experiencing symptoms.
• Social distancing must be maintained at all times. Please keep a distance of 1.5m from others.
• Please use the hand sanitiser stations provided or wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
• Please practise good hygiene, this includes coughing and sneezing into your elbow, away from others.
• If at any point during the event you begin to feel unwell, please immediately advise the closest staff member.