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Department of Archaeology

 
Read more at: Archaeological science and globalisation: Great Zimbabwe

Archaeological science and globalisation: Great Zimbabwe

This project aims to study the crucibles and finished metal objects recently recovered from the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage site, using techniques from earth and materials sciences.


Read more at: Archaeological Science and Technology in Africa Initiative (ASTA)

Archaeological Science and Technology in Africa Initiative (ASTA)

The archaeology of Sub-Saharan Africa is rapidly gaining momentum, thanks to renewed efforts to decolonise and empower indigenous narratives of agency and creativity that have been bolstered further by the increasing application of scientific methods. However, important challenges remain. One is the scarcity of training and archaeological science capacity in sub-Saharan Africa, which is necessary to make these efforts sustainable.


Read more at: Attention Profiles in Hunter-Gatherer societies

Attention Profiles in Hunter-Gatherer societies

Understanding the diversity of human cognitive traits in different cultural contexts and in an evolutionary framework is crucial for advancing actual human mind but also its disorders. Attention and executive control including traits such as inhibition, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, are studied in WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic) societies, where sustained focus and impulse control are highly valued. A deficit in these domains might lead to a diagnosis of a mental disorder such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).


Read more at: EHSCAN-Exploring Early Holocene Saharan Cultural Adaptation and Social Networks through socio-ecological inferential modelling

EHSCAN-Exploring Early Holocene Saharan Cultural Adaptation and Social Networks through socio-ecological inferential modelling

EHSCAN is a Horizon-MSCA-2022-PF scheme Fellowship Funded by UKRI and hosted by the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge. 


Read more at: iMapNut: Machine Learning to Map and Address Causal Factors of Child Malnutrition in Low- and- Middle- Income Countries

iMapNut: Machine Learning to Map and Address Causal Factors of Child Malnutrition in Low- and- Middle- Income Countries

This project aims to improve the poor integration of localized data linking various WASH dimensions (infrastructure, access, practices) and children nutritional status at the population level as well as the poor involvement of policy makers concerned with WASH in local and country level nutritional programs. Our network aims include:
1.

Read more at: Life history theory in maternal and child health: formative research in South Africa

Life history theory in maternal and child health: formative research in South Africa

Children experiencing food insecurity, repeated infections and psychosocial stress have compromised development, and increased risk for non-communicable diseases in adulthood. While public health interventions have had limited benefits, addressing this is critical, both from a public health perspective and for the Sustainable Developmental Goals. We therefore seek to test the proposition that a life history theory perspective will inform interventions in both maternal and child health, thereby enhancing their effectiveness.


Read more at: Metal and amber: models of raw materials circulation in the Late Prehistory of Iberia

Metal and amber: models of raw materials circulation in the Late Prehistory of Iberia

The project focuses on the models of circulation of raw materials during the Iberian Late Prehistory, as well as the use and social value given to the different materials, with special attention to metals and amber. 


Read more at: PaleoErgo: Exploring Hand-Stone Tool Interactions in Early Hominins

PaleoErgo: Exploring Hand-Stone Tool Interactions in Early Hominins

How did the biomechanics and ergonomics of the human hand influence the use and production of Palaeolithic stone tools? Traditionally, stone tools have been analyzed for their morphological properties and technological characteristics to infer the cognitive and social evolution of early hominins and modern humans. However, the role of musculoskeletal aspects in the effective use of these tools has been largely overlooked, resulting in an incomplete understanding of Palaeolithic technologies.


Read more at: The Cambridge Heritage Science Hub Initiative (CHERISH)

The Cambridge Heritage Science Hub Initiative (CHERISH)

Cambridge is home to world-leading researchers across archaeological science, technical art history and heritage science, based at Department of Archaeology, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Hamilton Kerr Institute, among others. There are multiple synergies across these institutions in terms of research methodologies, goals and ambitions in the field of technical and scientific investigation of works of art and archaeological objects.


Read more at: Transitions in early stone tool technologies: a computer vision and machine learning approach

Transitions in early stone tool technologies: a computer vision and machine learning approach

The transition from Oldowan to Acheulean technologies are hypothesised to be concomitant with advances in cognition and behaviour. However, the nature of these shifts, and their cultural and evolutionary implications are poorly defined and understood. While extensive literature exists on these technologies, significant differences in research methods and traditions make comparative and comprehensive analyses problematic.