I am extremely honored that our Cluster of Excellence 'HUMAN ORIGINS' was selected for funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft!! This is incredible news and I look forward to exciting times ahead setting up this new Cluster!

New preprint from our team: "When the hammer drops: Identification of knapping techniques in blade production based on a multi-scale study of knapping traces." Integrating micro/macro analyses improves knapping trace identification. osf.io/dya96_v1

New preprint: "Does point size matter? Morphometric arguments in Palaeolithic weaponry models" Our study challenges reliance on TCSA/TCSP for weapon identification. Small points ≠ arrow tips! Experimental data shows these metrics don't reliably predict weapon type. zenodo.org/records/15051934

Last week, we welcomed Morgan Roussel and Viola Schmid for MSA lithic experiments at Rose Cottage Cave. Viola co-directs the excavation, while Morgan, a knapping expert, aids in understanding local raw materials. Thanks to SPUR and FNRS for funding! #Lithics #MSA #ExperimentalArchaeology

Lecture: A Cultural Turning Point – Join Viola Schmid on Feb 14, 2025, at 11:00 at ULiège - Musée de la Préhistoire to explore the Middle Stone Age of southern Africa. Discover cultural shifts and innovations from Bushman Rock Shelter, Rose Cottage Cave, and Sibudu Cave. #Archaeology #MiddleStoneAge

For those who would want to join us in Belgium: jobs.ugent.be/job/Gent-Pro...