In order to bring a new method and different direction to archaeological research in our country,the Presidiums of ANAS decided on June 3,in year 2022 to establish an experimental archaeological laboratory within the Institute of Archaeology,Ethnography and Anthropology.The laboratory was transferred to the Department of Stone Age Archaeology in the new structure of Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology in 2024 and this was reorganized under the name Traceological and Experimental Archaeological Laboratory.With the creation of the laboratory,the foundation for complex,micro (microscopic analyses )and practical (experimental) research was created
The types,styles,models and technology of all artifact samples (tools,items,weapons,ritual,art as well as creative and socially important means) found in the consumption and production industry discovered by archaeological excavations from prehistoric times are practically investigated through experimental research and traceological analyses.Learning becomes possible.The technology of preparation and use of thousands of artefacts obtained by us is determined by research.These studies not only study the types,styles and technology of archaeological materials involved in tool production,but also study the place of tool making and use in the biological,anatomical and cognitive evolution of man’s distant and near ancestors in the entire chain operation is working.
As a result of traceological and experimental researches and studies,it leads to obtaining wider and deeper knowledge about tool production,function,tool technology,tool techno-complex.ith the complex analyses of both studies,it becomes easier to establish the relationship between raw materials and tool techno-typology.Thus,the economic,technological,social models of past life and the technological behaviour of prehistoric man can be measured and compared with practical-experimental research and traceological-microscopic analyses.
Technological evolution process of the style,form and models of the tools of prehistoric people are being studied by means of traceological-microscopic,experimental-visual testing,digital microscopes.All this will help us to better understand the past,to visually understand the components that create cultures to visually and virtually revive the entire economic,social cultural,technological world of the hominin family,including man himself.Today in modern western scientific schools,archaeology can be classified not only as a field of humanitarian and social sciences,but also among natural-technical and bio-anthropological scieces in terms of research-study components and methods.So,taking into account the above,modern archaeological researches are natural-technical etc. such as the design and application of specialized mathematical software,2D and 3D modeling and visualization ,digital and electronic devices and equipment should be organized.
Since the creation of laboratory,its director has been Ajdar Babazade.Currently,the newly established laboratory has only two employees.
Employees of the traceological and experimental archaeological laboratory:
- Ajdar Yusif oglu Babazade-the head of the laboratory.
- Gunel Hasan Nabisoy-senior laboratory assistant.
Photo1.The image of laboratory.
Photo2.TraCEr (Laboratory of Traceology and controlled experiments) (MONREPOS Germany
experimental room 1 in laboratory,process of cutting the raw materials and preparation
(tool making)
Photo 3.TraCEr (Laboratory of Traceology and Controlled Experiments for metallographic microscope
micro analyses in microscope room,(polish/abrasion) and strations/scratches.
Photo 4. TraCEr (TTraCEr (Laboratory of Traceology and Controlled Experiments) for metallographic microscope micro analysis in microscope room,(polish/abrasion) and strations/scratches.
Photo 5.Traceological analyzes are performed with a stereo microscope (low power approach) in macro
analyzes for impact and injury marks (scarring,edge-damage,edge rounding,striations).