Session #349: Interdisciplinary approaches to surface analysis of archaeological, paleontological and paleoanthropological remains
Over the past few decades, the emergence and improvement of both imaging equipment (confocal, digital, SEM) and high resolution imaging techniques (microCT, CBCT, 3D scanning) has provided researchers with new tools for analyzing a wide diversity of archaeological, paleontological and paleoanthropological remains. Specifically, quantitative surface analysis techniques have been further developed in response to similar research questions about function in different fields, and concepts derived from metrology and tribology have been integrated into studies focusing on surface modifications to a very diverse range of materials.
One aspect common to all researchers dealing with the microscopic analysis of past remains is the identification of surface modifications of objects that underwent burial (taphonomic alterations or post-depositional surface modifications). Yet – despite obvious analogies, similar analytical workflows, similar research questions and the technical difficulties that all analysts may face – there has been scarce discussion and/or contact between researchers from fields as diverse as dental microwear or artifact use-wear analysis.
The main aim of this session is to discuss the potential of these new techniques to provide new insights into functional processes of both archaeological artifacts and dental remains. Artifact functional studies comprise surface modifications to all materials recovered from archaeological sites (lithics, bones, ceramics, metals…), while dental functionality reveals aspects related to both chewing mechanisms and diet.
In this session, we welcome all kinds of papers employing microscopy and high-resolution imaging techniques for studying surfaces of artifacts and organic remains, regardless of chronology or geographic region. This session will bring together researchers from different disciplines to stimulate debate on common technical constraints and possible solutions.
Thanks to their diverse backgrounds and experience in the use of these techniques to study past objects, participants will benefit from the mutual exchange of knowledge. We intend the eventual publication of papers from this session.
Please submit your paper and poster proposals through the conference portal by 13th February: https://www.e-a-a.org/eaa2020
The call for contributions is open until 13 February 2020
Organizers: Marina Lozano, Antonella Pedergnana & Ivan Calandra
