Project description
Obsidian trade in the Neolithic evolutionary process
Long-distance exchange at the beginning of the Neolithic in the Near East reflects emergent social networks allowing interactions between distant human communities. The obsidian trade represents an important part of this prehistoric social and cultural process. The EU-funded OBSTRADE project will investigate the role of the obsidian exchange networks in the transmission and spread of innovations during the transition to farming. The project will apply two pioneering methods performing high-precision surface texture analysis through confocal Scanning Microscopy and metrology software, and complex systems theory and modelling. OBSTRADE will establish an open-access database containing all obsidian-related data. Project results will be made available to the public through the creation of a graphic novel, and through several outreach activities.
Objective
ObsTrade is designed to understand obsidian trade at the onset of the Neolithic in the Near East. Long distance exchange is considered the marker of emergent social networks allowing interactions between distant villages. ObsTrade assumes that these networks improved modes of cultural accumulation of prehistoric societies. This was fundamental for the emergence and transmission of innovations during the transition to farming. For understanding obsidian trade, ObsTrade will investigate what traded obsidian tools were used for and how they were exchanged. The project proposes an original, innovative and interdisciplinary approach, by analysing Neolithic obsidian tool function and geographical distribution. Two cutting-edge methodologies will be applied: 1) the high-precision surface texture analysis through Confocal Scanning Microscopy (CSM) and metrology software for the identification of tool use; 2) the Complex Systems theory and modelling for characterising the obsidian exchange networks and their involvement in the emergence and spread of innovations. An Open Access database (ObsTrade database) containing all data about obsidian presence, geological origins, distribution and use in Near Eastern Neolithic sites will be created. Project results will be made available to the general public through the creation of a graphic novel, and through several outreach activities. The ObsTrade project will allow gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the formation of the first complex farming societies, using innovative methodologies that will contribute notably to European excellence and competitiveness.
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.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences databases
- humanities history and archaeology
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture
- social sciences economics and business business and management commerce
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme -
H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
28006 MADRID
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.