Session #077: Plants meet Artifacts. Developing Interdisciplinary Approaches to identify plant processing and use in Archaeology
Archaeologists have long searched for methods to identify the use and function of prehistoric artifacts. The increasing application of use-wear, molecular and experimental approaches to the study of pottery vessels, flint and ground stone tools have provided crucial new insights into prehistoric tool use. However, whereas analytical methods to identify animal-derived resources are relatively well established, direct evidence for plant processing, use and consumption continues to be largely “hidden” in the archaeological record.
The aim of the session is to bring together specialists on the study of different archaeological artifacts (e.g. pottery, ground stone and flint tools), archaeobotanists (plant macro- and microremains), biomolecular archaeologists (organic residue analyses) and researchers specialized on experimental archaeology to discuss current approaches to identify the preparation and use of plant resources in the past.
We encourage problem-based interdisciplinary case studies that combine multiple lines of evidence to solve a particular question or hypothesis. Presentations highlighting the potentials and limitations of the different methods in use will also be welcome, as well as those applying new techniques or material studies (e.g. charred food crusts). Research themes are open (e.g. food preparation, processing, cooking, raw materials…), and contributions from all periods and geographic regions are generally welcome.
At the end of the session, we will organize a round table to discuss sampling and study protocols that allow multi and inter-disciplinary approaches to be implemented and guarantee the comparability of results between sites.
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: Amaia Arranz-Otaegui, Miriam Cubas, Danny Rosenberg & Juan José Ibáñez
