Researchers have potentially solved the enigma surrounding a collection of stone tools unearthed near a waterhole in Australia’s remote outback. These tools, believed to be hidden up to 170 years ago, have sparked significant interest in the archaeological community.

A team from Griffith University made this fascinating discovery, suggesting that the tools indicate a level of planning and trade by those who originally concealed them. The team stumbled upon the find when they noticed a few stones protruding from the ground in an area just north of Boulia in Central West Queensland.

Upon closer examination, the researchers uncovered a cache of 60 large Aboriginal stone “tulas.” These tools are distinctively flaked stones that were traditionally affixed to handles and utilized for woodworking purposes.

The significance of these tools is underscored by their widespread use across the continent for crafting essential items such as boomerangs, wooden coolamon dishes, shields, and clapsticks. The discovery not only provides insight into the technological advancements of the Aboriginal people but also into their cultural practices and trading systems.

They were important tools, used across most of the continent to make objects such as boomerangs, wooden coolamon dishes, shields and clapsticks.

Dr Yinika Perston from the Griffith School of Social and Cultural Research said the retrieval process was arduous.

“Even while we were excavating, bushfires raged to the north, preventing some of the team from joining us,” she said.

“Once we found the cache, we knew were in a race against time to recover the tools before they were washed away in the next flood.”

The researchers used scientific methods to analyse the tools, working closely with the Pitta Pitta, who hold Native Title for the area where the collection was found.

“Innovation and connection helped the Pitta Pitta people survive the region’s harsh climates,” Perston said.

“If they could not find resources locally, they bartered along vast trade routes.

“It’s possible this cache was a bundle of specially made artefacts that were intended for trading.”

Dating revealed a 95 per cent probability the tulas were buried sometime between 1793 and 1913.

The nearby town of Boulia was established around 1879, and the Burke River police camp operated from 1878 to 1886.

“We think the Pitta Pitta ancestors were likely planning to trade the tools in these caches when the time came, but for some reason never retrieved them,” Perston said.

“One possible reason for this may be due to disruption caused by European arrival – but the dates aren’t precise enough to be sure.

“What we can say, is that this cache reveals how planning, resource management and collective cooperation allowed Aboriginal people to not only survive, but thrive, in this harsh environment.”