Toolkit talk: An investigation into the origins of the toolkit in archaeology and its applicability to Australian indigenous archaeology

The use of the term 'toolkit' to describe aspects of lithic assemblages has been widespread since it was introduced into the archaeological lexicon in the 1960s. The history of the concept, which emerged from the analysis of European Mousterian assemblages by Binford and Bordes, is traced from its roots to the present day. In Australia it has become a generalised term which has been used to explain the complete range of technologies available to a culture, as well as defining strategies for risk management and mobility. This paper argues that the concept of a lithic toolkit may apply in a European context but has limited applicability to Australian lithic assemblages.