Over a three year period, Dr. Curt Beck will continue his analysis of organic artifacts recovered in European Paleolithic and Neolithic archaeological sites. The research is designed not only to increase understanding of European prehistory - especially patterns of trade - but also to involve Vassar undergraduates in scientific research. Dr. Beck will focus on three areas: 1. the provenience analysis of archaeological artifacts of amber and related fossil resins in European prehistory, principally by infrared spectroscopy; 2. the analysis and identification of non-fossil resinous and fatty residues and coatings in archaeological ceramics, principally by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; 3. the application of computers to spectra classification, data management and simulation of mathematical models of prehistoric exchange systems. The research is important because it will increase understanding of how complex societies developed. It will also encourage undergraduates to pursue careers in science.
