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Dr Andy Needham
Lecturer in Early Prehistory and Experimental Archaeology

Biography

Andy completed an undergraduate degree in (BSc) Archaeology in 2008 from the University of York, a Masters degree in (MSc) Early Prehistory and Human Origins in 2010 from the University of York, and a PhD focussing on Magdalenian engraved plaquettes in 2017 from the University of York.

Andy was appointed an Associate Lecturer in Palaeolithic Archaeology in 2017 and concurrently a Post-Doctoral Researcher on the Hidden Depths: The Ancestry of Our Most Human Emotions project (PI, Prof. Penny Spikins), focussing on aspects of Palaeolithic healthcare. Andy was subsequently (2018-19) appointed as a Humanities Research Centre Post-Doctoral fellow at the University, continuing his work on Palaeolithic healthcare. From 2019-23, Andy was awarded a British Academy Early Career Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for the Ornaments on the Edge project, which considered Mesolithic personal ornamentation from North-West Europe. Andy is currently Lecturer in Early Prehistory and Experimental Archaeology in the department.

Andy’s research focuses on aspects of Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Experimental Archaeology. Andy pursues a number of active research interests within these areas. Andy has recently been working on Magdalenian engraved plaquettes; Early Mesolithic personal ornamentation in North-West Europe; analysis of artefacts and materials, including ochre, flint tools, tars and resins; use of experimental archaeology to investigate research questions, including Palaeolithic rondelles, Neanderthal firelighting with manganese dioxide, aceramic cooking technology, stone and hearth construction, personal ornament production and use, flint tool use and breakage, and Palaeolithic art production and experience; healthcare during the Palaeolithic as reflected in the material culture and osteological record; Neanderthal cognition and lifeways, including childhood, sociality, and emotional capacities; soil geochemistry, site preservation and excavation, particularly around Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites, focussing on peatland sites and caves; and archaeological pedagogy.

Andy’s teaching reflects his research specialism, covering artefacts, experimental archaeology, prehistoric art and ornamentation, and Palaeolith and Mesolithic lifeways. Andy is active in pedagogic research and presents and conferences and workshops and publishes about his teaching.

Departmental roles

University roles

  • Member of the Teaching and Learning Forum (2023-present)
  • Member of the Public Lectures Committee (2017-2019; 2022-present)

Andy Needham stood with arms by side

Contact details

Dr Andrew Needham
Lecturer (Teaching & Scholarship)
Department of Archaeology
University of York
PalaeoHub
Wentworth Way
York
YO10 5NG

Tel: 01904 323287