Objective
The origin of the Acheulian stone technology has long fascinated prehistorians, as the handaxe seems to signify the first tool made with predetermined shape. This proposal seeks funding to investigate the mode, tempo and causes of the Oldowan-Acheulian technology transition, 2.0-1.7 million years ago (Ma), at Gona, Afar, Ethiopia. This time period is immensely important to the study of human origins and the evolution Homo (our own genus), as it marks the emergence of Homo ergaster (erectus), the likely inventor of the Acheulian technology. Specifically, our goals are to: 1) determine the timing and nature of the Oldowan-Acheulian transition at Gona, 2) identify stone assemblages that can be technologically recognized as transitional between the two industries, 3) assess whether the transition was gradual or rapid, 4) conduct experimental-knapping using the stone raw materials actually accessed by the tool makers, and brain-imaging studies for understanding the cognitive skills of the makers, and 5) determine to what extent the transition was environmentally mediated (that is, corresponds to paleoenvironmental changes). Only a few study areas in the world have both early (~1.7 Ma) Acheulian sites and deposits that immediately precede this time. Gona is one of them, making it possible to explore its origins. In order to accomplish these goals, we plan to survey intensively the areas of Gona that have deposits dating to 2.0-1.6 Ma. We will then 1) identify and sample (through excavations) all archaeological traces of this age, 2) analyze these stone tool assemblages with respect to technologically relevant attributes, 3) sample and analyze the associated raw material sources for type, size and shape (this will also involve replication of the stone tools and brain-imaging studies), 4) conduct taphonomic study of fossil fauna for determining stone tool functions (and other bone modifying agents), and 5) document eological/paleoenvironmental contexts of each assemblage.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
09002 Burgos
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.