Description du projet
Une étude sur les poinçons métalliques préhistoriques en Europe
Les scientifiques n’ont pas encore bien déterminé la fonction, l’usage et la signification sociale des poinçons, l’un des premiers objets métalliques fabriqués dans l’Europe préhistorique. Pour combler cette lacune en termes de connaissances, le projet WHAM, financé par l’UE, entend mener la toute première étude fonctionnelle et sociale portant sur les premiers poinçons métalliques européens, datant de la période entre 5000 et 1600 av. J.-C. Il étudiera à quoi servaient ces premier poinçons, et cherchera à savoir où, par qui et avec quel degré de spécialisation ils étaient utilisés. Le projet nous permettra de mieux comprendre les techniques liées aux premiers outils et pourrait bouleverser la théorie classique selon laquelle la métallurgie préhistorique était une technologie spécialisée à dominante masculine.
Objectif
The researcher is moving from Italy to Newcastle University (UK) to carry out WHAM, the first ever functional and social study of early European metal awls, 5000-1600 BC. Awls are amongst the first objects to be made from metal in prehistoric Europe, yet their purpose, uses, and social significance have never been explored. To address this problem, the project will investigate what early awls were used for, in what crafts, by what agents, and with what degree of specialism. By researching widespread, yet understudied, early metal tools, the project will overturn orthodox narratives claiming prehistoric metallurgy to be a male-dominated skilled technology. The multidisciplinary method selected for the research integrates the microwear analysis of 130 prehistoric awls (and of 70 objects worked with them) from three sample regions in Europe; the testing of replica awls in various prehistoric crafts; and the contextual analysis of awl burials. The project’s importance is thus: (1) it is the first Europe-wide functional and social analysis of a category of poorly understood metal objects; (2) it is the first ever attempt to examine both awls and worked objects as a coherent technological assemblage; and (3) it is the first ever multidisciplinary study of early metal awls integrating microwear analysis, experimental archaeology, and the social analysis of awl burials. Whilst working on the project, the Researcher will acquire new expertise in multi-method artefact analysis. He will also develop an innovative non-contact approach to archaeological trace recording (using dentistry-grade intraoral scanners) during a three-month secondment at the University of Padua, Italy. The research training received at Newcastle and Padua will equip him with sought-after skills facilitating his reintegration into the academic job market after a three-year break. In turn, he will transfer his knowledge of early stone/shell technology and experimental archaeology to Newcastle.
Champ scientifique
Mots‑clés
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinateur
NE1 7RU Newcastle Upon Tyne
Royaume-Uni