
Overview
Background
I studied archaeology at the University of Queensland, then completed my PhD at the Australian National University under the supervision of Prof Peter Hiscock and Distinguished Professor Sue O'Connor on Holocene technological and cultural change in Wardaman Country, Northern Territory. I then took up a postdoctoral Fellowship in the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolution at the University of Cambridge, working closely with Professors Robert Foley, Marta Mirazon Lahr and Michael Petraglia. I returned to UQ as an ARC Fellow in 2004 and then took up a lectureship in the School of Social Science in 2005. My teaching is centred on stone tools, ancient technologies, Anustralian Indigenous heritage, Human Evolution and other topics. My research involves working closely with Aboriginal people documenting their cultural heritage, understanding the evolution of our species and the migration of Homo sapiens out of Africa and long-term change in many parts of the world, including East Timor, France, Africa, and India. I am currently working on Australia's oldest known site of Madjedbebe in close collaboration with the Mirarr and Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, and the site of Malangangerr with the Manilikarr, Njanmja Aboriginal Corporation and Kakadu National Park.
Availability
- Professor Chris Clarkson is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University
Research interests
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Long-term cultural and technological change in western Arnhem Land
In collaboration with Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, Njanmja Aboriginal Corporation and Kakadu National Park
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The technological signature of Homo sapiens Out of Africa migration
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Long-term cultural change on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
In collaboration with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation and Everick Heritage PTY LTD
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Global origins of stone projectile point technology
Works
Search Professor Chris Clarkson’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Journal Article
Human occupation of northern India spans the Toba super-eruption ~74,000 years ago
Clarkson, Chris, Harris, Clair, Li, Bo, Neudorf, Christina M., Roberts, Richard G., Lane, Christine, Norman, Kasih, Pal, Jagannath, Jones, Sacha, Shipton, Ceri, Koshy, Jinu, Gupta, M. C., Mishra, D. P., Dubey, A. K., Boivin, Nicole and Petraglia, Michael (2020). Human occupation of northern India spans the Toba super-eruption ~74,000 years ago. Nature Communications, 11 (1) 961, 961. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-14668-4
2020
Journal Article
The first Australian plant foods at Madjedbebe, 65,000–53,000 years ago
Florin, S. Anna, Fairbairn, Andrew S., Nango, May, Djandjomerr, Djaykuk, Marwick, Ben, Fullagar, Richard, Smith, Mike, Wallis, Lynley A. and Clarkson, Chris (2020). The first Australian plant foods at Madjedbebe, 65,000–53,000 years ago. Nature Communications, 11 (1) 924, 1-8. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-14723-0
2020
Journal Article
Papuan mitochondrial genomes and the settlement of Sahul
Pedro, Nicole, Brucato, Nicolas, Fernandes, Veronica, André, Mathilde, Saag, Lauri, Pomat, William, Besse, Céline, Boland, Anne, Deleuze, Jean-François, Clarkson, Chris, Sudoyo, Herawati, Metspalu, Mait, Stoneking, Mark, Cox, Murray P., Leavesley, Matthew, Pereira, Luisa and Ricaut, François-Xavier (2020). Papuan mitochondrial genomes and the settlement of Sahul. Journal of Human Genetics, 65 (10), 875-887. doi: 10.1038/s10038-020-0781-3
2019
Journal Article
Symbolic expression in Pleistocene Sahul, Sunda, and Wallacea
Langley, Michelle C., Clarkson, Chris and Ulm, Sean (2019). Symbolic expression in Pleistocene Sahul, Sunda, and Wallacea. Quaternary Science Reviews, 221 105883, 105883. doi: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2019.105883
2019
Journal Article
45,610–52,160 years of site and landscape occupation at Nawarla Gabarnmang, Arnhem Land plateau (northern Australia)
David, Bruno, Delannoy, Jean-Jacques, Mialanes, Jerome, Clarkson, Christopher, Petchey, Fiona, Geneste, Jean-Michel, Manne, Tiina, Bird, Michael I., Barker, Bryce, Richards, Thomas, Chalmin, Emilie and Castets, Géraldine (2019). 45,610–52,160 years of site and landscape occupation at Nawarla Gabarnmang, Arnhem Land plateau (northern Australia). Quaternary Science Reviews, 215, 64-85. doi: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2019.04.027
2018
Journal Article
Reduction intensity of backed blades: blank consumption, regularity and efficiency at the early Neolithic site of Boncuklu, Turkey
Muller, Antoine, Clarkson, Chris, Baird, Douglas and Fairbairn, Andrew (2018). Reduction intensity of backed blades: blank consumption, regularity and efficiency at the early Neolithic site of Boncuklu, Turkey. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 21, 721-732. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.08.042
2018
Journal Article
Were Acheulean bifaces deliberately made symmetrical? Archaeological and experimental evidence
Shipton, Ceri, Clarkson, Chris and Cobden, Rommy (2018). Were Acheulean bifaces deliberately made symmetrical? Archaeological and experimental evidence. Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 29 (01), 1-15. doi: 10.1017/S095977431800032X
2018
Book Chapter
Small, sharp, and standardized: global convergence in backed-Microlith technology
Clarkson, Chris, Hiscock, Peter, Mackay, Alex and Shipton, Ceri (2018). Small, sharp, and standardized: global convergence in backed-Microlith technology. Convergent evolution in stone-tool technology. (pp. 175-200) edited by Michael J. O'Brien, Briggs Buchanan and Metin I. Eren. Cambridge, MA, United States: MIT Press.
2018
Journal Article
Reply to comments on Clarkson etal. (2017) 'Human occupation of northern Australia by 65,000 years ago'
Clarkson, Chris, Roberts, Richard G., Jacobs, Zenobia, Marwick, Ben, Fullagar, Richard, Arnold, Lee J. and Hua, Quan (2018). Reply to comments on Clarkson etal. (2017) 'Human occupation of northern Australia by 65,000 years ago'. Australian Archaeology, 84 (1), 84-89. doi: 10.1080/03122417.2018.1462884
2017
Journal Article
An early colonisation pathway into northwest Australia 70-60,000 years ago
Norman, Kasih, Inglis, Josha, Clarkson, Chris, Faith, J. Tyler, Shulmeister, James and Harris, Daniel (2017). An early colonisation pathway into northwest Australia 70-60,000 years ago. Quaternary Science Reviews, 180, 229-239. doi: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2017.11.023
2017
Journal Article
Measuring behavioural and cognitive complexity in lithic technology throughout human evolution
Muller, Antoine , Clarkson, Chris and Shipton, Ceri (2017). Measuring behavioural and cognitive complexity in lithic technology throughout human evolution. Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, 48, 166-180. doi: 10.1016/j.jaa.2017.07.006
2017
Journal Article
The efficiency of Australian grindstones for processing seed: A quantitative experiment using reproduction implements and controlling for morphometric variation and grinding techniques
Mildwaters, John and Clarkson, Chris (2017). The efficiency of Australian grindstones for processing seed: A quantitative experiment using reproduction implements and controlling for morphometric variation and grinding techniques. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 17, 7-18. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.10.036
2017
Journal Article
Teaching Complex Flint Knapping Strategies in the Classroom Using “Potato Knapping”
Clarkson, Chris (2017). Teaching Complex Flint Knapping Strategies in the Classroom Using “Potato Knapping”. Lithic Technology, 42 (4), 155-160. doi: 10.1080/01977261.2017.1385213
2017
Journal Article
The identification of extinct megafauna in rock art using geometric morphometrics: A Genyornis newtoni painting in Arnhem Land, northern Australia?
Cobden, Rommy, Clarkson, Chris, Price, Gilbert J., David, Bruno, Geneste, Jean-Michel, Delannoy, Jean-Jacques, Barker, Bryce, Lamb, Lara and Gunn, Robert G. (2017). The identification of extinct megafauna in rock art using geometric morphometrics: A Genyornis newtoni painting in Arnhem Land, northern Australia?. Journal of Archaeological Science, 87, 95-107. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2017.09.013
2017
Journal Article
Human occupation of northern Australia by 65,000 years ago
Clarkson, Chris, Jacobs, Zenobia, Marwick, Ben, Fullagar, Richard, Wallis, Lynley, Smith, Mike, Roberts, Richard G., Hayes, Elspeth, Lowe, Kelsey, Carah, Xavier, Florin, S. Anna, McNeil, Jessica, Cox, Delyth, Arnold, Lee J., Hua, Quan, Huntley, Jillian, Brand, Helen E. A., Manne, Tiina, Fairbairn, Andrew, Shulmeister, James, Lyle, Lindsey, Salinas, Makiah, Page, Mara, Connell, Kate, Park, Gayoung, Norman, Kasih, Murphy, Tessa and Pardoe, Colin (2017). Human occupation of northern Australia by 65,000 years ago. Nature, 547 (7663), 306-310. doi: 10.1038/nature22968
2017
Journal Article
Movement of lithics by trampling: an experiment in the Madjedbebe sediments, northern Australia
Marwick, Ben, Hayes, Elspeth, Clarkson, Chris and Fullagar, Richard (2017). Movement of lithics by trampling: an experiment in the Madjedbebe sediments, northern Australia. Journal of Archaeological Science, 79, 73-85. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2017.01.008
2016
Journal Article
Identifying major transitions in the evolution of lithic cutting edge production rates
Muller, Antoine and Clarkson, Chris (2016). Identifying major transitions in the evolution of lithic cutting edge production rates. PLoS ONE, 11 (12) e0167244, e0167244. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167244
2016
Journal Article
Early modern human lithic technology from Jerimalai, East Timor
Marwick, Ben, Clarkson, Chris, O'Connor, Sue and Collins, Sophie (2016). Early modern human lithic technology from Jerimalai, East Timor. Journal of Human Evolution, 101, 45-64. doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2016.09.004
2016
Journal Article
A new method for accurately and precisely measuring flake platform area
Muller, Antoine and Clarkson, Chris (2016). A new method for accurately and precisely measuring flake platform area. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 8, 178-186. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.06.015
2016
Journal Article
A morphometric reassessment of Roger Duff's Polynesian adze typology
Shipton, Ceri, Weisler, Marchall, Jacomb, Chris, Clarkson, Chris and Walter, Richard (2016). A morphometric reassessment of Roger Duff's Polynesian adze typology. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 6, 361-375. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.03.005
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Chris Clarkson is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Analysis of stone artefact assemblages or experimental archaeology
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
High-speed impact fractures and the global origins of projectile technology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther
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Doctor Philosophy
Hidden in the Haematite: patterns of continuity and change reflected in the selection, production and use of haematite at Madjedbebe, Arhmen Land, Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther
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Doctor Philosophy
Seed grinding in traditional Aboriginal Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther
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Doctor Philosophy
Seed grinding in traditional Aboriginal Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther
-
Doctor Philosophy
Aboriginal and Environmental Interactions in Northern Australia: A faunal analysis of Malangangerr
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther, Associate Professor Tiina Manne
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Doctor Philosophy
Characterising damage to bone by Sarcophilus harrisii, Dasyurus maculatus and Dasyurus viverrinus in Australian archaeological assemblages
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tiina Manne
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Doctor Philosophy
Characterising damage to bone by Sarcophilus harrisii and Dasyurus maculatus in archaeological and palaeontological assemblages from Sahul
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tiina Manne
Completed supervision
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2020
Master Philosophy
Pieces of a ground stone puzzle: experimental studies of seed-grinding in traditional Aboriginal Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tiina Manne
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Regime change: An anthracological assessment of fuel wood selection and management at Madjedbebe (Malakunanja II), Mirarr country, Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Fairbairn
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2017
Master Philosophy
The role of experimental knapping in empirically testing key themes in the evolution of lithic technology: reduction intensity, efficiency and behavioural complexity
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Fairbairn
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Archaeological Expressions of Holocene Cultural and Environmental Change in Coastal Southeast Queensland
Principal Advisor
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2010
Master Philosophy
Material culture and behaviour in pleistocene sahul: examining the archaeological representation of pleistocene behavioural modernity in sahul
Principal Advisor
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
A Technological Analysis of a Neolithic Lithic Workshop at Bai Ben, Vietnam
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Ian Lilley
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Polynesian quarrying and adze production in southern New Zealand: Social organisation and manufacturing technology
Associate Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Archaeobotanical investigations into 65,000 years of plant food use at Madjedbebe, Mirarr country, northern Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Fairbairn
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Worn to the Bone: Use-wear of bone points from the Madjedbebe rockshelter, Arnhem Land
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther, Associate Professor Tiina Manne
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
A Peacock's Tale: Runaway agricultural evolution and the development of Pre-Pottery Neolithic communities in the southern Levant
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Fairbairn
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Chris Clarkson directly for media enquiries about:
- Archaeology
- Human Evolution
- Indigenous Archaeology
- Stone Tools
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