It is a training program aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to date and classify stone tools efficiently and effectively. The program also covers a wide range of fundamental and advanced topics in the field of Paleo-environments and paleo-anthropology during pre-historical periods in general.
By the end of this course, the trainee will be able to:
Acquire skills that enable to contribute to archaeological research, museum curation, or cultural heritage preservation such as:
- Identify Stone Tool Types: Recognize various stone tool categories (e.g., hand axes, scrapers, blades) based on shape, size, and manufacturing techniques.
- Understand Manufacturing Techniques: Describe and differentiate methods like knapping, flaking, and grinding used in stone tool production.
- Classify Tools by Typology: Apply typological frameworks to categorize tools according to established archaeological classifications (e.g., Borders’ typology for Paleolithic tools).
- Determine Chronological Context: Use relative and absolute dating methods (e.g., stratigraphy, radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence) to estimate the age of stone tools.
- Analyze Tool Function: Infer the potential uses of tools (e.g., cutting, scraping, hunting) based on wear patterns, residue analysis, and experimental archaeology.
- Interpret Cultural Significance: Relate stone tools to the cultural, technological, and behavioral practices of prehistoric populations.
- Document and Record Findings: Accurately measure, draw, photograph, and catalog stone tools for archaeological records.
- Apply Analytical Tools: Use basic microscopy or imaging techniques to examine tool surfaces for use-wear or residues.
- Evaluate Archaeological Contexts: Assess the site context (e.g., settlement, quarry) to understand tool distribution and discard patterns.
- Conduct Basic Research: Formulate research questions, compare findings with published studies, and present results clearly.