This quartzite pitted hammerstone  is from central Queensland.  The function of this ochre-stained object is unknown.

See the annotations for technological details about this stone tool.

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This small rectangular hammerstone has pits in the centre of both faces and on two ends, and a broad band of percussion wear around the periphery.  The deep pits on the flat faces suggest that the tool was used as an anvil for securing a small objects (stones or nuts?) for smashing.  Alternatively, the centres of the faces, as well as each end, may have been used as a hammer to smash small, hard objects.  Both flat faces are deeply stained by red ochre.  Red ochre and yellow ochre powder can be seen in the interstices between the quartz grains in several locations.  The perimeter of the tool lacks ochre staining, although traces of powdered ochre are present in one area.  Ochre powder or staining is absent from the pits.  The stained faces are abraded and slightly polished by rubbing.  The function of this pitted hammerstone is unknown.