The five-day workshop gives an overview of the current methods in functional analysis of stone tools and provides the participants with an elementary understanding of how signs of use are detected on lithic artefacts. The program combines guided practical work in the lab with presentations given by members of the TraceoLab research team on key aspects of the present-day methodology. Topics covered include experimental archaeology and its place in functional studies, production wear, hafting, residue analysis, projectile analysis, and residue and wear taphonomy. The practical training provides a view of different processes leading to the formation of wear traces and residues on stone tools, ranging from their production to their hafting and use and finally their discard and exposure to postdepositional processes.

The workshop is directed at beginners. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field.

Travel and accommodation at the participants’ own expense. Lunch is included in the participation fee (250€). Reduced fees can be offered to students in financially precarious situations. Please contact us for more detail.

To apply, please send us your CV and a letter of motivation (max 2 pages) that describes why you would like to participate in the workshop and how functional analysis methods could benefit your research or studies. If you have any specific research questions you believe the workshop could help you address, or any particular areas of interest, please include them in the application. Number of participants will be limited to 10. The deadline for applications is 20 May 2023.

Contact noora.taipale@uliege.be