Axe grinding grooves

Typical axe-grinding grooves located on a low sandstone outcrop

Where are they found?

Axe-grinding grooves are almost always found along the edges of rivers, creeks, lakes and swamps, or near dry or drained water bodies.

Axe-grinding grooves in the Corangamite region

[Information about the presence axe grinding grooves in the Corangamite region is being sought.]

How did Aboriginal people produce axe-grinding grooves?

Aboriginal people used axe-grinding grooves to finish partly made axes (known as ‘axe blanks’) or sharpen axes that were worn or chipped. Axe blanks are pieces of stone that Aboriginal people chipped into a basic axe shape at stone quarries and sharpened by rubbing the edges over sandstone. This rubbing action left grooves in the outcrop surface.

Aboriginal people often sprinkled water on the sandstone to make it more abrasive and to reduce dust.This is why the grooves are usually found on outcrops close to water.

Why are axe-grinding grooves important?

Sites of Aboriginal axe-grinding grooves are rare. They provide valuable information about how stone tools were made. They increase our knowledge of past Aboriginal land use and ways of life.

Axe-grinding grooves are an important link for Aboriginal people today with their culture and their past.

Are Axe-grinding grooves under threat?

Sandstone is a relatively soft stone that is gradually worn by weathering, erosion and trampling by animals such as cows and sheep. Human activities such as mining, road building,damming, clearing, ploughing and construction can also destroy these sites.

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria records the location, dimensions and condition of Aboriginal grinding grooves. The aim is to have a permanent written and photographic record of this important part of the heritage of all Australians. Management works around Aboriginal grinding grooves, such as stock and erosion control, help preserve the sites for future generations.

Please help to preserve Aboriginal cultural places  and artifacts such as axe grinding grooves by reporting their presence to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.

What if you find axe-grinding grooves?

Do not damage or interfere with the sandstone outcrop or remove any material. Check whether the site has the typical characteristics of Aboriginal grinding grooves. If it does, record its location and write a brief description of its condition. Note whether it is under threat of disturbance.

Are Aboriginal axe-grinding grooves protected?

All Aboriginal cultural places and Aboriginal artifacts in Victoria are protected by law. It is illegal to disturb or destroy an Aboriginal place. Artifacts should not be removed from sites.

In general, the presence of Aboriginal axe grinding grooves on private land will not affect ownership, or stop pre-existing land uses from continuing.

Do not damage or interfere with the sandstone outcrop or remove any material. Check whether the site has the typical characteristics of Aboriginal grinding grooves. If it does, record its location and write a brief description of its condition. Note whether it is under threat of disturbance.

The presence of an Aboriginal axe grinding groove may indicate that other artifacts are present, or that a site of Aboriginal Cultural heritage significance is present. Please preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage sites by conducting environmental, agricultural and other activities in a manner that does not impact on them. Such areas are likely to cover a very small area relative to the size of most properties and avoiding disturbance should therefore have little effect on productivity. The presence of such a place will greatly enhance the value of an appropriately implemented environmental project and is likely to be assist applicants seeking funds for environmental projects.