Avalon Karatau
- Aug 16
- 2 min read

Day 10: The Flaked Stone Fiasco

G’day, folks! Good to see your back for another ripper adventure from the heart of the Aussie bush. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Aboriginal flaked stone tools. And, of course, in true WHOOP WHOOP WALK ABOUT fashion, there were a few... mishaps along the way.

So, there I was, keen as a roo in a carrot patch, out in the bush looking for some ancient Aboriginal stone tools. Now, spotting one of these beauties takes a keen eye and a bit of know-how—two things I’m proud to say I possess (most of the time).

I had just found what I thought was a perfect specimen—a sharp-edged flake with all the classic signs: a striking platform, a bulb of percussion, and what looked like retouch marks. I was so chuffed that I decided to give it a closer look. But, in my excitement, I accidentally dropped it... into the creek. Whoops!

After a quick dip in the water (not recommended in croc country, by the way), I finally retrieved the flake. Turns out, it was just a piece of shattered glass from an old beer bottle!

But all jokes aside, these flaked stone tools are incredible pieces of history. Aboriginal people made them by carefully striking a core stone with a hammerstone, creating sharp flakes that could be used for everything from hunting to making cloaks. The craftsmanship is unreal—these tools were vital to daily life and survival.

If you ever stumble across one of these ancient artefacts, remember: don’t pocket it as a souvenir. Take a good look, admire it, but leave it where you found it. These tools tell a story of a culture that’s been around for tens of thousands of years, and it’s up to us to help preserve that history.

Now, if you’ve got any questions about finding these treasures or just want to hear more of my mishaps in the bush, give me a buzz or shoot me an email. And remember, if I can find a flake in the bush (or a bit of glass), you can too—just watch your step and maybe leave the dips to me!