Object discovered in Flinders Rangers remains a mystery – even for seasoned archaeologists

Even seasoned archaeologists are puzzled by these metal blades – thought to go back to pioneering times – found on a property far north of Adelaide. What’s your guess?

Mystery surrounds the identity of rusted metal spikes found on a central Flinders Ranges property, with even seasoned archaeologists puzzled by their purpose.

Property owner Mija Reynolds had not seen anything like the objects when she found them and sought the help of the public SA Archaeology Society Facebook page, which includes experts from post-European invasion times.

“We believe they are blacksmith forged pegs that were used to either hobble a small animal or pitch a tent like structure,’’ she wrote.

“They look like knives but the blade side is around 2mm thick and shows no sign of use wear. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.”

Many members have proposed solutions to the mystery in comments, but no definitive answer.

Ideas include post spikes to latch chains on to keep gates closed, slasher blades and harrowing blades.

One of the mystery objects found by Mija Reynolds on her property in the central Flinders Ranges. Picture: Mija Reynolds/Facebook

One of the mystery objects found by Mija Reynolds on her property in the central Flinders Ranges. Picture: Mija Reynolds/Facebook

The area was not cultivated but harrowing blades were used to make firebreaks.

One of SA’s most experienced post-contact archaeologists, Flinders University Professor Heather Burke, said the most likely answer would come from old farmers in the region.

“The interesting thing about that object is that it’s only a small part of a much larger one,’’ she said.

“If we had the complete item it would be obvious, but when we only have a small portion (as so often happens in archaeology), trying to work out the missing whole is difficult, sometimes impossible.”

Prof Burke said when presented with such mysteries archaeologists often came up with funny names to describe the problem.

“My favourite archaeological terms for unclassifiable objects comes from one report which called them “whatsits”.

“The subclass can be called a “fat chance”, so it would certainly be a “fat chance” if functions were ever identified.

“Of course, it helps if you’ve seen something like it before …. Hence, I hope the old farmers, or someone with a collection of old farm machinery, is helpful.”