Want to learn how to knap stones? Join Uncle Alan Murray as he demonstrates how to produce different stone tools and maybe give it a go yourself! You can find the video in our Resources section.

Flaked or knapped stone tools were used by Aboriginal people for many purposes such as cutting, carving, scraping, and hunting. A large piece of rock called a core was hit with a harder rock called a hammerstone. This broke off small flakes which could then be further shaped to fit their use. Not all rock is suitable for making stone tools, with the best specimens being rich in silica and brittle, such as the flint seen in the video.

Stone tools are the most common evidence of past Aboriginal inhabitance in Australia and are often found near rivers. Please remember that all Aboriginal artefacts are protected and are not to be removed from where they were found.

This video was produced as part of a pilot to attract volunteers through incorporating environmental volunteer sessions into a First Nations River Ranger Program.  This video is a legacy of the program, able to be viewed online whenever suits whilst out in our regional parks or the Ryans Lagoon Wetlands Cultural Learning Centre.

Thanks to Alan, Phil, and Ben for being our star performers and to Paul Smith from SUPERGOAT Media for his persistence is getting this video produced and published.

The Diversifying Park Stewardship Program was supported by the Victorian Government through the Volunteering Innovation Fund.