Programme

December 10th

9.00 – 9.10

Arrival

9.10 – 9.20

Welcome

Eva Andersson Strand et al.

Professor at Saxo Institute, Faculty of Humanities

9.20 – 9.30

Introduction to UCPH School of Archaeology

Casper Sylvest (Chair of School of Archaeology)

Professor and Head of the Saxo Institute, Faculty of Humanities

9.30 – 10.00

Do look a gift horse in the mouth - how we can use molecular methods, morphology and AI to develop the zooarchaeologists of the future

Matthew Collins

Professor at GeoBiology, Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Abstract:

Species identification and sex determination of caprines from archaeological assemblages remain fundamental challenges in African zooarchaeology, particularly given poor DNA preservation in tropical environments. I will discuss how we might use innovative methodology to combine proteomic analysis of tooth enamel with geometric morphometrics and machine learning to address this challenge. Our approach builds on recent advances in liquid atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (LAP-MALDI) mass spectrometry, which enables rapid screening of the remarkably stable enamel proteome for species-specific peptides and amelogenin isoforms. What would happen if we pair this with geometric morphometric analysis of tooth shape? By focusing on tooth enamel, which survives well in archaeological contexts, and emphasizing accessible imaging technologies, I will explore how we can make such an approach, particularly to the African research environment, while building sustainable research capacity through collaboration with African institutions.

Poster session 1

10.00 – 11.00

Anders Holst-Nielsen

Andreas Schäfler

Beri Henry

Olivia Persson

Liv Rosendahl Nielsen

Lea Jacobsen

Caroline Uldal Dahl

Emil Lau Holmstrup

11.00 – 11.30

The Greenland Norse: Far away, yet so similar

Niels Lynnerup

Professor at Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Abstract:

The archaeological and historical sources about the Norse population in Greenland provide unique insights into the temporal frame of the settlement and their living conditions. The settlement was established in the late 900s and was likely abandoned by mid and late 1400s. In this presentation, I will give an overview of the many recent scientific investigations, highlighting paleodemographics, aDNA and dietary skeletal data. Combining this data with economics of trade and “sunk costs” models, a probable depopulation scenario is developed. The Norse in Greenland were very similar to other Norse early-medieval societies, but given the special conditions of Greenland archaeology, we may gather more detailed data, and indeed use our demographic models on, e.g., Danish medieval populations.

11.30 – 12.00

What information can we extract from old animal bones? – Highlights from interdisciplinary studies on Arctic Thule Culture middens, West Greenland.

Anne Birgitte Gotfredsen

Senior researcher at Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Abstract:

During 2019-2023 a comprehensive interdisciplinary project entitled Activating Arctic Heritage - Exploring UNESCO World Heritage in Greenland (AAH) led by The National Museum and Archives of Greenland and the National Museum of Denmark was carried out. The initiative focused on the study sites Kujataa in South Greenland and Aasivissuit-Nipisat in West Greenland, both sites recently added to the World Heritage List.My talk will address preliminary results of my research from two of the work packages of the AAH-project. First, based on the faunal remains recovered during four campaigns of fieldwork, to focus on hunting practices, exchange, and trade of animal products within the contact period c. 1700-1900 CE. Second, to address preservation conditions and degradation of organic material in Arctic midden contexts, an increasingly important issue, due to climate warming.

Lunch 12.00– 13.00

13.00 – 13.30

When the sun darkened 4900 years ago – reconsidering Neolithic miniature art from the island of Bornholm, Denmark

Rune Iversen

Associate Professor at Saxo institute, Faculty of Humanities

Abstract:

In this talk I discuss the rich imagery found on the enigmatic ‘sun stones’ that have been found at the Neolithic site of Vasagård on the Danish Island of Bornholm. Sun stones are engraved stone plaques dated to the early 3rd millennium BC many of which display rayed sun images. Beside sun images, ‘ladder patterns’, sketchy lines, arcs, and plant/crop signatures can be identified indicating that fields were also depicted. Based on a basic classification of the sun stones, I present the newest interpretation of their function and a possible reason for their deposition during a cold climate event c. 2900 BC.

13.30 – 14.00

Understanding Infant Death in the Late Epipalaeolithic of the Levant

Tobias Richter

Associate Professor at ToRS, Faculty of Humanities

Abstract:

Prior to the advent of modern sanitation and hygiene standards, infant and mortality rates were generally high in most pre-industrial societies. The Neolithic Demographic Transition, which set in with the development of plant cultivation and animal herding during the Epipalaeolithic-Neolithic Transition in southwest Asia, has been argued to have resulted in a concurrent increase in both fertility and infant and child mortality rates. The undoubtedly frequent death of newborn babies and young children was certainly a traumatic and challenging experience for parents, families and the wider social group. How did Late Epipalaeolithic and Early Neolithic societies experience and cope with the deaths of newborns and young children?This paper will explore how Late Epipalaeolithic and Early Neolithic societies experienced and coped with the deaths of newborns and young children based on the excavations at the Late Epipalaeolithic Natufian site Shubayqa 1. Here, excavations revealed a high concentration of neonatal, infant and child remains buried beneath stone pavements. Previous work has revealed aspects of their life-histories and the funerary practices associated with their interment. Integrating these perspectives, this paper will discuss possible interpretations for the high frequency of neonatal, infant and child remains at the site, and consider the wider implications of this evidence for understanding human lifeways during the Epipalaeolithic-Neolithic transition.

Poster session 2

14.00 –15.00

Daniel Paaby Nielsen

Ellen Bille Løppenthin

Ida Juul

Josefine Wagner

Ken Cortzo

Mathilde Lundberg Friis

Mathilde Rannvà Mouritzen

Mikkel Sand Thychosen

15.00– 15.30

Textile Resources in Viking Age Landscapes

Eva Andersson Strand

Professor at Saxo Institute, Faculty of Humanities

Abstract:

In the Viking Age, there was an increasing demand for textiles used for sails, clothing and in the household. This demand must have affected the organisation of the textile production and thus also impacted the landscapes and settlements during this period. In the project Textile Resources in Viking Age Landscapes (TRiVAL), based at Centre for Textile Research (CTR), University of Copenhagen, archaeological textiles are, amongst other sources, used to shed light on this demand and on the resources and raw materials in question. The project takes its starting point in preserved Viking Age textiles from Northern Jutland and Western Zealand. The two geographical areas have been chosen based on their different landscape types. Through technical registrations as well as analyses of fibres, dyes and pollen, the project aims to answer the following questions 1) Which textiles are preserved from the Viking Age and what are their contexts? 2) Which fibres are they made from? 3) What kind of wool fibres were used and from which sheep breeds? 4) How was the wool sorted and prepared for spinning? 5) Which dyes were used on textiles and why? 6) Were the dye sources local or imported? 7) Answering those questions will lead to a more visible and comprehensive view of the textile production and its significance and impact in the Viking Age society. In this paper the first preliminary results of the project will be presented.

15.30 – 15.45

Curious Things, an archaeological student journal

Frederik Engel-Møller & Helene Forum Winther

Classical arch. MA & Prehistoric arch. MA

Abstract:

The Curious Things Student Journal is for all research on ‘things’, material culture or materiality. We wish to increase opportunities for UCPH students by making their research more visible and offer opportunities to further their professional academic experience.This student initiative originates from the traditionally ‘thing’-oriented discipline, archaeology, but we encourage all disciplines to submit. We aim to explore the ways in which material objects shape and are shaped by our world. By sharing perspectives across disciplines, we can gain new understandings!

15.45 – 16.00

Introduction to the Emerging Researchers Network (ERN)

Laura Viñas Caron & Tuuli Kasso

Postdoctoral researchers at Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Abstract:

The Emerging Researchers Network (ERN) was established in 2023 as an extension of the University of Copenhagen's School of Archaeology (SoA). ERN aims to foster collaboration among early-career researchers (ECRs) across the university's different faculties and departments. Its key objectives include creating an open and supportive community for predoctoral, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers; facilitating networking and collaboration; and increasing the impact of archaeological research through outreach activities.

End

Page updated

Report abuse