Clarkson, Chris, Harris, Clair, and Muller, Antoine (2026) Selection and standardisation in Aboriginal exchange networks: Leilira macroblades of northern and central Australia. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 75. 106047.

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Abstract

Leilira are large stone macroblades produced by Aboriginal Australians and documented in long-distance exchange networks across northern and central Australia during the late Holocene. Ethnographic accounts describe quarrying episodes in which many blades were produced but only a small subset was retained for exchange or ceremonial circulation. Despite these observations, the technological characteristics of blades associated with exchange have rarely been examined quantitatively. This study analyses 376 leilira and leilira-like macroblades from archaeological and ethnographic collections using technological attributes, elongation ratios, symmetry measures and three-dimensional geometric morphometrics. Specimens derive from quarry contexts, habitation sites and ethnographic collections, allowing comparison among production, use/discard and curated collection contexts. Ethnographic specimens are significantly more elongated and symmetrical than those from quarry and habitation contexts and show reduced variability in geometric morphometric analyses. Quarry assemblages capture broad variability generated during macroblade production, whereas habitation assemblages reflect modification through use, retouch and breakage. Ethnographic specimens occupy a more restricted region of morphospace. These patterns are consistent with strong selection for particular blade forms, while recognising that museum acquisition histories may also have contributed to the restricted morphology of ethnographic collections.

Item ID:	93958
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	2352-4103
Keywords:	Lithic technology; Exchange networks; Standardisation; Geometric morphometrics; Macroblade production; Aboriginal Australia; Trade
Copyright Information:	© 2026 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2026 03:56
FoR Codes:	43 HISTORY, HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY > 4301 Archaeology > 430101 Archaeological science @ 50% 45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4501 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, language and history > 450101 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander archaeology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	21 INDIGENOUS > 2104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture > 210401 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts @ 50% 21 INDIGENOUS > 2104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture > 210402 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connection to land and environment @ 50%
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