Rubbing grooves usually occur on flat sandstone surfaces near water. Sandstone was also quarried for use as portable grinding stones for grain and for making axes. Ceremonial grounds These are sites where initiation ceremonies, marriage alliance ceremonies, tribal meetings and other important social functions were held. They are places of great significance to Aborigines. Bora grounds, which featured one or two raised earth rings were used for male initiation.
Stone arrangements Arrangements of stone range from simple mounds to complex ceremonial areas.
We do not now know the purpose of many, but some are still important and very significant to Aboriginal groups. Engravings Rock engravings are usually found where a suitable outcrop of fairly flat, soft rock occurs or in rock overhangs. People, animal shapes and tracks and people shapes are common subjects. Abstract or non-figurative designs, such as circles and geometric figures are also common. Carved trees Carved trees are becoming rarer in New South Wales as the trees decay and fall over, or are burnt.