Tabea J. Koch
YOU?
Author Swipe
View article: Ancient DNA and biomarkers from artefacts: insights into technology and cultural practices in Neolithic Europe
Ancient DNA and biomarkers from artefacts: insights into technology and cultural practices in Neolithic Europe Open
Birch bark tar was widely used throughout prehistoric Europe for hafting stone tools as well as various other purposes. While previous research has mainly focused on the identification and production of birch bark tar, its diverse uses rem…
View article: Tracking adhesive technologies from the Early Mesolithic to the Late Iron Age
Tracking adhesive technologies from the Early Mesolithic to the Late Iron Age Open
Adhesives are an important part of early human technological innovation. Prehistoric humans used naturally available tree resins, bitumen, or synthetic glues such as birch tar, for hafting, repairing, decorating and water-proofing. Previou…
View article: Chemical analyses reveal dual functionality of Early Mesolithic birch tar at Krzyż Wielkopolski (Poland)
Chemical analyses reveal dual functionality of Early Mesolithic birch tar at Krzyż Wielkopolski (Poland) Open
Birch bark tar played an important role as an adhesive in the European Middle Palaeolithic and Mesolithic with key practical functions. For the Mesolithic in northern Europe, tar is suggested to have a variety of functions, including decor…
View article: Differences in birch tar composition are explained by adhesive function in the central European Iron Age
Differences in birch tar composition are explained by adhesive function in the central European Iron Age Open
Birch bark tar is the most widely documented adhesive in prehistoric Europe. More recent periods attest to a diversification in terms of the materials used as adhesives and their application. Some studies have shown that conifer resins and…
View article: Hafting of a Neolithic leister: Identification of adhesives from Lolland (Denmark)
Hafting of a Neolithic leister: Identification of adhesives from Lolland (Denmark) Open
Birch tar has been identified as the predominant adhesive used for hafting purposes in the European Mesolithic and Neolithic. Its role in the manufacture of composite tools and weapons comprising wooden, bone and flint components attests i…
View article: Adhesive Strength and Rupture Behaviour of Birch Tars Made with Different Stone Age Methods
Adhesive Strength and Rupture Behaviour of Birch Tars Made with Different Stone Age Methods Open
Birch tar is the earliest adhesive produced by Neanderthals in the European Palaeolithic. Experimental studies have proposed a number of aceramic (i.e. without the use of ceramics) birch tar–making techniques, but to date, no archaeologica…
View article: Reply to Paul R.B. Kozowyk: Interpreting the complexity of archaeological adhesives may lead to misconceptions about early humans
Reply to Paul R.B. Kozowyk: Interpreting the complexity of archaeological adhesives may lead to misconceptions about early humans Open
Microbial communities are found throughout the biosphere, from human guts to glaciers, from soil to activated sludge. Understanding the statistical properties of such diverse communities can pave the way to elucidate the common mechanisms …
View article: Archaeological adhesives made from <i>Podocarpus</i> document innovative potential in the African Middle Stone Age
Archaeological adhesives made from <i>Podocarpus</i> document innovative potential in the African Middle Stone Age Open
Studying the earliest archaeological adhesives has implications for our understanding of human cognition. In southern Africa, the oldest adhesives were made by Homo sapiens in the Middle Stone Age. Chemical studies have shown that these ad…
View article: The evolution of strength, elasticity and rupture behaviour of birch tar made with ‘double‐pot’ techniques during tar cooking
The evolution of strength, elasticity and rupture behaviour of birch tar made with ‘double‐pot’ techniques during tar cooking Open
Birch tar was the first adhesive produced by humans. Its study has consequences for our understanding of human evolution and the development of specialised craftsmanship. One of the better‐documented birch tar making methods is the ‘double…
View article: The unique laurel-leaf points of Volgu document long-distance transport of raw materials in the Solutrean
The unique laurel-leaf points of Volgu document long-distance transport of raw materials in the Solutrean Open
The Upper Palaeolithic Solutrean culture that coincided with the last glacial maximum has become famous for documenting an increasing investment of time and effort in the production of tools. However, Solutrean lithic assemblages predomina…