The following information is derived from the Aboriginal Ground-edge axes mini-poster; one of a set of 15 Aboriginal heritage mini-posters produced by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
The Aboriginal Ground-edge Axes mini-poster can
be downloaded by clicking the poster thumbnail here 
Ground-edge axes are stone chopping tools with cutting edges that were formed by grinding.They were often designed to have handle. Aboriginal ground-edge axes are usually rounded or oval in shape,but may be slightly elongated with a straighter, sharpened end.
Greenstone axe heads
Ground-edge axes can be found almost anywhere where Aboriginal people camped or lived in Victoria. They may be found near axe-grinding grooves, axe quarries or burial sites.
Information about specific locations where ground-edge axes have been found in the region was not able to be found during the creation of this website. The axe-heads shown above are in the artifact collection of the Wathaurong Coop in Geelong.
Aboriginal people made ‘axe blanks’ by striking large flakes of stone from rocky outcrops (see Mini Poster 7), then roughly shaping them. They carried axe blanks across great distances for trading. The axes were often finished away from the quarry. The tool maker would complete an axe by grinding to make a sharp cutting edge. This edge, while not as sharp as a chipped stone tool, was much more durable. When the edge was broken or chipped, the axe could be sharpened again and again. Grinding was usually done on sandstone outcrops, often leaving deep grooves. Sometimes the whole axe was ground to a smooth glossy finish. Aboriginal people often used natural resin and plant fibre or kangaroo sinew to attach the axe to a short wooden handle.
Aboriginal people used axes to cut down small trees, chop wood, remove tree bark for canoes and shelters, butcher larger animals and undertake many other tasks.They also used axes as weapons, ceremonial objects and valuable trade items. Many axes come from a large greenstone quarry at Mount William, near Lancefield. Axes from this quarry have been found up to 800 kilometres from Mount William, but not in the eastern half of Victoria. The Gunai/Kurnai people in the east had their own quarries and system of trade. Studies of the distribution of Mount William axes have demonstrated that this trade boundary existed for a longtime, possibly several thousand years.
Ground-edge axes are easy to distinguish from natural rocks. Smooth, hard, river pebbles may look like the axes, but they do not have the sharp edges.
Ground-edge axes are strong and durable. Unfortunately, because they are obviously Aboriginal, many have been taken by artifact collectors and the general public. We know little about these collected axes - information about their age, original location and links with other artifacts has been lost forever. Natural processes such as wind and water erosion may disturb axes, but human interference such as ploughing and development (and particularly souvenir collecting) poses the greatest threat. Aboriginal Affairs Victoria records the location, dimension sand condition of Aboriginal ground-edge axes. The aim is to have a permanent written and photographic record of this important part of the heritage of all Australians.
In general, the presence of an Aboriginal ground-edge stone axe on private land will not affect ownership, or stop existing land uses from continuing.
Do not disturb or remove it. Check whether the object has the typical characteristics of an Aboriginal ground-edge axe. If it does, record its location and write a brief description of its condition. Note whether it is under threat of disturbance.
Please help to preserve Aboriginal artifacts cultural heritage sites by reporting their presence to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
All Aboriginal cultural places and artifacts in Victoria are protected by law. It is illegal to disturb or destroy an Aboriginal place. Ground edge axes and other artifacts should not be removed from sites.
It is illegal to buy or sell artifacts without a permit. Information about permits may be obtained from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
The presence of an Aboriginal ground-edge stone axe 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.