The archeological methods of interpretation of the natural material findings used for the “reconstruction” of paleoenvironment/ paleoclimate/ paleodemography (lithics) 05-MIZPA-11-KP-ArchU
Localization and types of siliceous rocks used during the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Early Iron Age in the Polish and neighboring territories – their microscopic and macroscopic characteristics.
Recognition of lithic materials originating from different periods.
Research methods of the lithic assemblages.
The applications and limitations of utilization of lithics data in the interpretation of natural and anthropological processes and phenomenon in the prehistoric times.
Analysis and interpretation of the selected experimental and original materials - practical classes.
Module learning aims
Major
Cycle of studies
Module type
Year of studies (where relevant)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Students should become familiar with the fundamental literature and terminology related to siliceous rocks in the context of archeological research. The course puts special emphasis on the direct contact with the experimental and original materials.
After completing the course students should be able to perform fundamental lithic analysis and its interpretation, including:
- assessment of usefulness of particular artifacts for research,
- knowledge of theoretical foundations of lithic research,
- differentiation of artifacts from geofacts on the basis of their distinctive morphological features,
- description of genesis, type, age and location of a raw material from which the artifacts were made,
- presentation of usefulness and properties of individual raw materials in the context of its application and technology,
- determination of availability of siliceous rocks resources throughout prehistory,
- presentation of postdepositional processes impact on the interpretation of lithics and determination of macroscopic deformations created as an effect of the postdepositional factors,
- differentiation of various types and methods of forming artifacts and its approximate chronology.
Students should also have the ability to interpret the results of the research investigations and creatively use the obtained data. During classes students, using the results of typological, technological and raw material characteristics, combined with experimental, planigraphic and use-wear data, will be able to determine character and organization of the site; present connection between the material selection, techniques of production, form of the artifacts and their function; attempt to determinate the selection motives on the particular stages connected with production and utilization flint artifacts were made; interpret some of the individual characteristics of flintknappers and habits of the prehistoric societies.
Students, after gaining the fundamental knowledge of the interpretation methods of lithics, should be able to critically evaluate and use other lithics data presented in the literature. Furthermore, direct contact with the experimental and original materials should allow students to properly select lithic artifacts obtained during excavations.
Assessment criteria
Credit based on attendance, involvement into discussions and final oral exam.
Bibliography
Andrefsky W. Jr., 2005 Lithics, macroscopic approaches to analysis, Cambridge.
Inizan M. L., Reduron-Ballinger M., Roche H., Tixier J., Technology and Terminology of Knapped Stone, Meudon 1999.
Król P. (red.), 2009 Historia krzemienia, Katowice.
Odell G. H., 2003 Lithic Analysis, New York.
Whittaker J. C., 1999 Flintknapping, making and understanding stone tools, Austin.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: