The Multi Layered Chert Sourcing Approach (MLA) combines macroscopc, microscopic and petrographic/geochemical techniques for the characterisation and provenance analyses of lithic raw materials (Graphic: M. Brandl OeAI/OeAW)

The laboratory’s focus lies in the field of archaeometry and provenance analysis of lithic raw materials for answering socio-economic questions in prehistoric societies. The geographic scope is broad in order to ensure the largest possible comparative database. The focus is on Central Europe, the Balkan region and Western Asia, but extends to the entire research area of the OeAI, including North and South Africa.

 

The individual research foci that are worked on in the Lithic Lab build on each other and are defined as follows:

  • Mineralogical-petrological and geochemical characterisation of raw materials for stone tool production (mainly flint).
  • Provenance analyses of lithic raw materials for chipped stone tools based on the Multi Layered Chert Sourcing Approach (MLA), which combines the analytical methods listed below.
  • Development and maintenance of a database and lithotheque of the most important lithic raw material deposits in the research area.
  • Lithic resource management and prehistoric economic behaviour.
  • Reconstruction of neolithisation processes in the light of economic behaviour patterns.
  • Development of protocols for determining the origin of additional culturally and historically significant rocks such as lapis lazuli, jadeite and nephrite, carnelian and agate.

This list is to be continuously expanded and preferably developed via the training programme and promotion of young scientists.

 

Methods of analysis

Stereomicroscopic microfacies analysis, petrography, mineralogy, geochemistry

 

Projects

  • NEOPROVENANCE as part of a guest professorship at the Danish National Museum. Duration: 2022 – 2023. PI: Michael Brandl.
  • FWF-Project Nr. I 6982G »Axes/adzes and grinding stones as tools of the Neolithisation in Central Europe. An integrative approach to functional analysis through Geometric Morphometrics, Use-Wear Analyses and Experimental Archaeology (WEAR)«. Duration: 2023 – 2026. PI: Michael Brandl.
  • ÖAD-Scientific and Technical Co-operation (WTZ)-Projekt MULT 11/2023 »NeMo - Neolithic Mobilities: Morava river basin as a case study«. Laufzeit: 01.07.2023 – 30.06.2025. PIs: Michael Brandl – Solène Denis (CNRS/FR) – František Trampota (Brno/CZ).
  • Partner in ERC Consolidator-Project »Polished stone tool biographies and their social and economic impact in the Aegean Neolithic (FROM STONE TO HOME)«. PI: Lasse Sörensen (Nat.Mus./DK).

 

Coordination