Scientist

The Pleistocene Archaeology Laboratory (PAL) is a new research facility in the Instituto de Historia-CSIC. It is designed to encourage research dealing with various aspects of Human Evolution and Pleistocene Archaeology, with particular emphasis on stone tool analysis, and including technological/ typological studies, experimental replications and use wear studies. PAL is engaged in enabling all steps of stone artefact studies through the use of computers, scanners, electronic balances, calipers, light table, hand and head lenses, binocular microscopes, wide tables for material layout and photography and 3D equipment. Currently, PAL hosts archaeological collections from several Palaeolithic sites across the world. It also hosts an unparalleled experimental reference collection with original raw materials such as chert, lavas and quartzites from Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. The main objectives of the project are to reconstruct technological activities of early humans based on the analysis of Palaeolithic archaeological collections, and through the development of new analytical techniques. Activities will include morphometrics and imaging of the archaeological collections housed in the new research facility. As an eminently practical and hands-on project, these activities will provide an unparalleled experience to the intern/s to know stone tool collections of international relevance, and acquire first-hand familiarity of archaeological assemblages.