As far as raw materials go, chert and other knappable stone stand out as some of the most common materials in the archaeological record, and at some sites the only preserved material. They were used in almost every corner of the world, from the Palaeolithic up until today. Use of these materials even predates the appearance of our own species. Being so widespread both geographically as well as chronologically, this topic merits a global meeting of researchers to discuss and compare our findings.
This conference will cover all aspects of knapped stone raw materials from geological origin, to mining, usage, and laboratory analyses on these materials. Although we expect that there will be more focus on chert and other microcrystalline quartz varieties, we also encourage presentations related to other knappable materials such as obsidian, quartzite, rhyolite and others. Papers will be accepted on any culture or time period. Whether you are a field archaeologist, laboratory researcher, ethnographer or a modern day knapper yourself, come tell us your stories.
Main Sessions
The symposium will focus on two major themes: (1) the chaîne opératoire of knapped stone artefacts, and (2) auxilliary sciences related to lithics (in particular microcrystaline quartz).
Theme 1 - Chaîne opératoire
- Raw material exploitation strategies — mining and surface collecting
- Ancient lithic trade and economics
- Stone tool production and processing techniques
- Use-wear analyses — signs of usage on stone tools (a.k.a. traceology)
Theme 2 - Auxilliary sciences
- Microcrystaline quartz as a geological material
- Characterising lithic sources
- Lithotheques — collections of comparative raw materials
- Gemology — Microcrystaline quartz as a gemstone today and in the past
Sessions Proposals
We are pleased to invite proposals for themed sessions, round table discussions or workshops for the upcoming symposium. Sessions are invited on current issues and research in the field of microcrystaline quartz (knapped or otherwise) or knappable materials in general. Sessions may be specific to methodology, regional research, or any other theme.
More information
For more information, please visit the symposium website, or contact Otis Crandell (otis.crandell@ubbcluj.ro) or Vasile Cotiugă (vasicot@uaic.ro).
This symposium is organised by Arheoinvest – Interdisciplinary Research Platform in the Field of Archaeology, Faculty of History, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iaşi, Romania
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