Oliver Craig
My
research has firmly focused on characterising prehistoric economies
in Europe, invariably involving the use of biomolecular methods. This
research involves two main methodological approaches;
i) isotope analysis in order to obtain dietary signals from
biological hard tissues (shell, bone),
ii) biomolecular characterisation of food residues on ceramics
in order to understanding food preparation and consumption practices.
Notably both these approaches are complementary and also combine well
with ‘more traditional’ faunal and botanical methods to
provide a powerful suite of analytical tools with which to investigate
prehistoric economies. Atlantic coastal shell middens that span the
Mesolithic/Neolithic transition provide an irresistible opportunity
for such a detailed dietary and economic study. Application of biomolecular
techniques to human remains, animal bones, shells and pottery is beginning
to reveal startling new insights into dietary variability during both
periods as well as the impact that the introduction of farming had on
coastal economic practices.
