Shadreck Chirikure

Materials analysis is the core of archaeological science; but for a fuller understanding, science must be integrated with social sciences and humanities, thus opening new ways to understand the past, and new opportunities to overcome present and future challenges. My research work, past, present and prospective is focussed on six main areas: (i) reconstruction of ancient technologies (e.g. metallurgy, ceramics, etc.), (ii) artefacts, technology and innovation, (iii) integration of social science theories with scientific techniques to enhance effectiveness of scientific methods, (iv) history of technology, (v) application of scientific techniques to conserve artefacts and sites and (vi) public engagement through heritage science including exhibitions. This work is pursued through excavations, museum-based projects, laboratory investigations (optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, EPMA, WD-XRF, (LA)-ICP-MS, etc) and experimental work, bringing together natural and social sciences with humanities.

Research Interests

• Archaeometallurgy
• human material relations
• innovation
• skills
• knowledge
• technology and society
• ancient technology and Being Human
• archaeological science and globalisation
• heritage science
• sustainability