Experimental activities attempt to simulate activities assumed to have been carried out in prehistoric period by using suitable tools in the most efficient manner. Experimental workshops are carrying on with the aim to test a particular hypothesis concerning tool use and to provide reference material for use-wear analysis. One of the aim of experiments is to investigate tool's functional meaning with the help of the use-wear analysis. 1 2 Knapping of flint raw material by direct percussion Final steps of replicas related to a research on Stentinello ware(a trenched Neolithic site, nearest to Syracuse)

LABORATORY of TECHNOLOGY and FUNCTION of PREHISTORIC IMPLEMENTS

This is the first laboratory in Italy for the analysis of technology, function and residue. Making tools involves intentions, concepts, preferences within a group of equivalent methods as well as technical decisions. The study of ancient technology is made possible using the reconstruction of " production chain" through the refitting of implements as well as through the experimental replications.
The first scientific and systematic studies concerning with function of prehistoric tools started with S.A. Semenov's book "Prehistoric Technology", that originally was written in Russian (1957) and later translated in English (1964).
Functional analysis is a method of research that, basically, employs metallographic microscope (high power approach) and stereomicroscope (low power approach) to analyse macro wear traces (micro-breakage, rounding, abrasion and striations) and micro wear traces (polishes, abrasions and micro striations) on the surfaces of formal and informal tools. Such an approach will help to gain an understanding of what sorts of tasks were performed and which materials were worked with specific tool types. Use-wear analysis can provide more knowledge about correlation between the morphology of tools and their use. It can provide more alternative functional possibilities that cannot be seen with naked eye. Even more, it can distinguish different steps in the functional life of a tool. It can show a possible sequence of use and rejuvenation until the final morphology found in the archaeological contexts.

RESIDUE ANALYSIS

Identify residues (biological and mineral) on the surface of ancient lithic, bone and pottery is very useful for the understanding of tools' s function.
Identification of residue specie is extremely difficult without the help of a modern reference material which to compare the ancient one. For this reason ethnographical and experimental collection is a precious guide of reference to study the archaeological implements.

PROJECTS

Current projects conducted at the Centre include research on Mesolithic to Neolithic transition in the Mediterranean area, pre-industrial agriculture, study of "production chain" of implements and activities, analysis on use-wear traces and residue, research on construction technology of the Neolithic house in the Mediterranean area, ethnographical documentation, gender archaeology, training of researchers and learning activities.