Stone Age Archaeology

A PhD student in the CASHP Stone Age Archaeology lab working with rock samples

The Stone Age Archaeology Research Laboratory brings together scientists with diverse interests focused on the evolution of human behavior from a variety of different proxies. 

The lab is focused on primary data collection and the development of new methodologies for the study of ancient hominin behavior. Our lab is particularly fieldwork focused, and students acquire primary data on a variety of paleoanthropological sites throughout Africa and Eurasia, including the renowned Koobi Fora Field School.


Research Interests

 

  • Biogeochemistry of ratite shells for geochronology
  • Reconstruction of ancient diets using microfossils recovered from stone tools and dental calculus
  • Three-dimensional analysis of archaeological materials
  • Site formation processes through the computerization of archaeological excavation techniques

 

  • Geochemical provenance studies of stone age artefacts
  • The study of the mechanical properties of stone and its effect on artifact manufacture
  • Technological analysis of stone artefact manufacture across the full time span of human evolution
  • Study of modern primate technology as an analog to early hominin tool use

Publications

For list of publications visit Dr. Alison Brooks or Dr. David Braun's Google Scholar pages.

Lab Researchers