Fieldwork and in situ documentation
This step involves the in situ excavation and documentation of personal ornaments and their positioning within burials for the reconstruction of their composition and modes of use.
Macro observations
In this step, characteristics (material, typology) and contextual information of each personal ornament are determined and recorded in a database.
Microscopic analysis
In this step, each personal ornament is studied for production marks and use-wear with stereomicroscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
Material characterisation and sourcing
This step involves chemical analyses (EPMA/XRF/pXRF) to identify stone and mineral types.
Methodology
To understand how identities were embodied during the onset of sedentism in Turkey, we look at changing technologies, material choices, skill and specialisation of the bead-makers and wearers. We aim to understand how attitudes towards material culture changed through time at the individual level and diachronically within the community. We use these insights to explore changing social activities and construction of identity during the transition to settled life.
Revealing the big story of small things
Statistical analyses
In this step, chronological and burial context data is used in conjunction with artefact data to create multivariate analyses of artefact / material / form / human relationships through time.