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Lithic Technology

The large lithic laboratory is situated in the bottom floor of the IPHES and is divided into two areas. The first one comprises a 43 m2 fully equipped microscope area with low to high power approach microscopes; two USB microscopes: PCE-MM200 y Dino-lite, two stereomicroscopes: Olympus SZ11 y Euromex DZ1; one metallographic: ZEISS Aixoscope A1, one 3D digital: Hirox KH8700, and one 3D optical profilometer that combines three measuring techniques in one (confocal, interferometry and focus variation): Sensofar S Neox. There is also equipment for sample cleaning and preparation (ultrasonic cleaner and laboratory gas hoods). The laboratory also hosts an experimental reference collection elaborated by the IPHES functional analysis group (use-wear and residues), consisting mainly of lithic tools (flint, quartzite, quartz, and some hornfels, basalt and obsidian). Although this microscopy area forms part of the lithic technology unit, it is shared by researchers and students from different disciplines (zooarchaeology, palaeontology, anthropology, archaeobotanty, etc.).

The laboratory also includes a second area of 45 m2 dedicated to lithic artefact analysis and refitting. It has 5 large tables, 3 portable LED lights, and kits for drawing, measuring and sample labelling.

Lithic Technology Lab

 

In addition, the IPHES houses another room on the first floor (40 m2), with ample space for lithic refitting studies.

Lithic Technology Lab