Use-Wear Analysis Laboratory
Head – Dr. Iris Groman-Yaroslavski
Lab’s Flyer
The first use-wear analysis laboratory in Israel has been recently established at the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, headed by Dr. Iris Groman-Yaroslavski.
The laboratory specializes in microscopic use-wear analysis and experimental archaeology, and provides functional analysis of archaeological objects. Research focuses in reconstructing biographies of objects by investigating manufacture techniques, use modes, hafting systems and the identification of worked materials.
Use-wear analysis is applied on archaeological objects from prehistoric to historic contexts which we are interested in investigating their production or use. It is a method to distinguish worked materials and manufacture techniques based on macro and microscopic wear traces observes on archaeological objects. It combines experimental archaeology focusing on the reconstruction of activities related to the wear-traces observed on the objects analyzed.
These experiments are conducted using replicated objects made of authentic materials and the replicas are used as a reference for wear-traces.
Use-wear analysis is applied on tools and it can also be applied on variable objects, such as beads and figurines, which we are interested in investigating their use or production.
This method is applied on objects made of a variety of materials such as flints, obsidian, shell, stone, or bony materials, such as antler or ivory.
also aims to support joint research on South Levantine material, students exchange for MA, PhD, Post doc programs and excavations, and joint participation in workshops, conferences and excavations.Analysis procedures
Archaeological objects are brought to the laboratory and are the subject of analysis protocols which at the first stage examines the potential for results. After setting the right framework for the project, the laboratory offers the programs for analysis. This includes microscopic scans, detailed documentation of traces, a
nd if necessary, experimentation in tasks relevant to the specific project. The analysis is conducted using the latest specialized optical and photographic equipment, and provides full in-depth reports.
Past research and current projects
- Use-wear Analysis of Burins from the Late Natufian Site of El-Wad Terrace.
- Potters’ Canaanean Flint Blades from the Early Bronze Age Site of Qiryat Ata, Northern Israel.
- Micro-analysis of Stone Beads from Natufian and Neolithic Sites of the Southern Levant.
- Levallois Points from Misliya Cave, Mount Carmel, Northern Israel.
- Functional Analysis of Perforators from Huzuk Musa, Lower Jordan Valley.
Our new laboratory welcomes new projects from all over the world
Dr. Iris Groman-Yaroslavski
Phone: 972-4-8249904
E-mail: usewear@research.haifa.ac.il
