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| Distribution of Tulas |
|  | Tulas are often found in relatively high densities on sites in the arid inland areas of central and western Australia. The map to the left shows the main distribution, in which tulas are common. It has sometimes been suggested that this distribution matches the distribution of desert hardwood trees that were manufactured into various artefacts using the tula as an adze. |
| This image of tula distribution has been complicated by claims that specimens have now been found on the eastern coast of Australia. McNiven (1993) has suggested that this purported eastern extension of the distribution may indicate diffusion of the idea from the west. However, the specimens in question display only a broad similarity to the classic tula form and could be excluded from that implement class on either technological or shape criteria. The eastern specimens described by McNiven may well be adzes comparable in function to some tulas, but the main distribution of the morphologically distinctive tulas is best described by the map presented above. |
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For additional information see:Kamminga, J. 1985 The Pirri Graver. Australian Aboriginal Studies 1985/2:2-25. NcNiven,I. 1993 Tula adzes and bifacial points on the east coast of Australia. Australian Archaeology 36:22-33. |
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Author: Peter Hiscock, Dept. Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University.
Feedback:  peter.hiscock@anu.edu.au.
Date Last Modified: Thursday, 1-May-97 URL: http://artalpha.anu.edu.au/web/arc/resources/paa/disttula.htm |