Surveys and excavations in "plein air" prehistoric sites
or, more frequently, in caves or shelters, constitute the first
stage of the research. Excavation, executed through thin stratified
levels, allows the whole recovery of human, faunal and macrobotany
remains. Spatial distribution remains and inhabited place management
are allowed by plotting. In this regard, inhabited palaeosurfaces
with structural elements like fireplaces, stone constructions,
pole holes etc., have special significance.
Field research, with students presence, has also didactic importance.
Hand manufactured pieces (lithic, bony, pottery etc.) are studied
under technological (raw material and problems of his supply,
classification techniques etc.), typological (final shape of the
pieces and their cultural data) and functional side (optical microscopy
and SEM analysis of wear traces).
The Unit has a laboratory for copy reproduction of single remains
and of inhabited palaeosurfaces.
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