WHat this Awl Means: A functional and social analysis of prehistoric metal awls from Europe

The researcher is moving from Italy to Newcastle University (UK) to carry out WHAM, the first ever functional and social study of early European metal awls, 5000-1600 BC.

Awls are amongst the first objects to be made from metal in prehistoric Europe, yet their purpose, uses, and social significance have never been explored.

To address this problem, the project will investigate what early awls were used for, in what crafts, by what agents, and with what degree of specialism.

By researching widespread, yet understudied, early metal tools, the project will overturn orthodox narratives claiming prehistoric metallurgy to be a male-dominated skilled technology.

The multidisciplinary method selected for the research integrates the microwear analysis of 130 prehistoric awls (and of 70 objects worked with them) from three sample regions in Europe; the testing of replica awls in various prehistoric crafts; and the contextual analysis of awl burials.

The project’s importance is thus: (1) it is the first Europe-wide functional and social analysis of a category of poorly understood metal objects; (2) it is the first ever attempt to examine both awls and worked objects as a coherent technological assemblage; and (3) it is the first ever multidisciplinary study of early metal awls integrating microwear analysis, experimental archaeology, and the social analysis of awl burials.

Whilst working on the project, the Researcher will acquire new expertise in multi-method artefact analysis.

He will also develop an innovative non-contact approach to archaeological trace recording (using dentistry-grade intraoral scanners) during a three-month secondment at the University of Padua, Italy.

The research training received at Newcastle and Padua will equip him with sought-after skills facilitating his reintegration into the academic job market after a three-year break. In turn, he will transfer his knowledge of early stone/shell technology and experimental archaeology to Newcastle.