Research group

Centre for the Archaeology of Human Origins (CAHO)

Bison painting at Altamira cave

We delve into the lives of ancient hominin species, deciphering their societal structures from diverse evidence to piece together how these ancient species organised themselves as individuals and societies.

Part of Archaeology

About

We founded our centre in 2000 to explore and promote all aspects of Palaeolithic and Mesolithic archaeology. We also study human origins.

Current and past members of our centre explore many topics critical to the evolution of our species. These include:

  • global dispersals by different species of ancient humans
  • the technology and cognitive implications of making stone tools
  • the influences of climate on where and how people lived
  • dating the global spread of modern humans

Our members have excavated in South Africa, Europe, North America, and Britain. We also review old museum collections. We identify overlooked data and apply it to new research questions.  

Our mission includes educating future Palaeolithic archaeologists. We offer various modules in our archaeology MA and MSc programs. These courses are taught by experienced archaeologists who are actively engaged in research, and they pass on their theoretical and practical skills to train students.

The Wymer Laboratory opened in 2006 in the purpose-built archaeology building. This is also where MA teaching and CAHO seminars take place. It's named after John Wymer, one of the most prominent British Palaeolithic archaeologists. The laboratory contains a huge collection, including:

  • stone tools, experimental and genuine
  • an extensive library
  • equipment for presentations and seminars.

All the resources are available to our students and researchers. 

People, projects and publications

People

Professor Sonia Zakrzewski

Prof of Bioarchaeology & BioAnthropology

Research interests

  • bioarchaeology and palaeopathology
  • disAbility, impairment, injury and disease
  • race, migration and mobility

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Sonia

Professor Stephanie Moser

Professor of Archaeology

Research interests

  • Reception studies in archaeology
  • History and reception of ancient Egypt
  • Museum history and analysis
Connect with Stephanie

Professor William Davies

Professor of Palaeoanthropology

Research interests

  • Modelling mobility/dispersal, interaction and creativity/innovation in late Neanderthals and in early Homo sapiens.
  • Relating Palaeolithic hunter-gatherer ecologies to climatic frameworks.
  • Assessing inequalities in resource acquisition and development of skills in the Palaeolithic.

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with William