Project description DEENESFRITPL 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. Show the project objective Hide the project objective 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 natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdatabaseshumanitieshistory and archaeologyagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturesocial scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementcommerce Keywords Use-wear analysis Confocal Scanning Microscopy Obsidian Trade Complexe Network Analysis Diffusion of innovations Prehistoric Technology Experimental Archaeology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2020 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2020 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS Net EU contribution € 160 932,48 Address CALLE SERRANO 117 28006 Madrid Spain See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 160 932,48
