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axehead 5

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B&W markings on axe 5

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This Axehead is of limestone, meaning this rock originally formed on a coral reef and contains 340 million year old crinoid (sea lily) stem parts.  The rock is a light brown in colour with stains of green malachite on one particular side (bottom).

The colour and rock type suggests it was originally from around Chillagoe.

The dimensions of this axehead are 200mm long by 105mm wide and 80mm high.  The shape of the axehead gives a rolling action movement when it is held in the hand, which gives sufficient evidence to suggest this rock was used as a grinder of some kind.  It also means no handle would have been originally on this axehead.

With the distinguishing features of the axehead being the green malachite stain on one side. Since malachite is toxic to humans it provides evidence to suggest the rock was used to grind and crush  this green mineral for ceremonial  painting  / decoration. There were no working edge angles, which supports the evidence of this particular axehead being a grinder.