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Professor Chris Clarkson
Professor

Chris Clarkson

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 53235

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

  • Long-term cultural and technological change in western Arnhem Land

    In collaboration with Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, Njanmja Aboriginal Corporation and Kakadu National Park

  • The technological signature of Homo sapiens Out of Africa migration

  • Long-term cultural change on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

    In collaboration with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation and Everick Heritage PTY LTD

  • Global origins of stone projectile point technology

Works

Search Professor Chris Clarkson’s works on UQ eSpace

115 works between 1994 and 2024

41 - 60 of 115 works

2016

Book Chapter

Testing archaeological approaches to determining past projectile delivery systems using ethnographic and experimental data

Clarkson, C. (2016). Testing archaeological approaches to determining past projectile delivery systems using ethnographic and experimental data. Multidisciplinary approaches to the study of stone age weaponry. (pp. 189-201) edited by Radu Iovita and Katsuhiro Sano. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-94-017-7602-8_13

Testing archaeological approaches to determining past projectile delivery systems using ethnographic and experimental data

2015

Journal Article

Beyond a suggestive morphology: were Wardaman stone points exclusively spear armatures?

Brindley, Jared and Clarkson, Chris (2015). Beyond a suggestive morphology: were Wardaman stone points exclusively spear armatures?. Australian Archaeology, 81 (81), 12-23. doi: 10.1080/03122417.2015.11682061

Beyond a suggestive morphology: were Wardaman stone points exclusively spear armatures?

2015

Journal Article

Teaching ancient technology using “hands-on” learning and experimental archaeology

Clarkson, Chris and Shipton, Ceri (2015). Teaching ancient technology using “hands-on” learning and experimental archaeology. Ethnoarchaeology, 7 (2), 157-172. doi: 10.1179/1944289015Z.00000000032

Teaching ancient technology using “hands-on” learning and experimental archaeology

2015

Journal Article

Handaxe reduction and its influence on shape: an experimental test and archaeological case study

Shipton, C. and Clarkson, C. (2015). Handaxe reduction and its influence on shape: an experimental test and archaeological case study. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 3, 408-419. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2015.06.029

Handaxe reduction and its influence on shape: an experimental test and archaeological case study

2015

Journal Article

Front, back and sides: experimental replication and archaeological analysis of Hawaiian adzes and associated debitage

Clarkson, Chris, Shipton, Ceri and Weisler, Marshall (2015). Front, back and sides: experimental replication and archaeological analysis of Hawaiian adzes and associated debitage. Archaeology in Oceania, 50 (2), 71-84. doi: 10.1002/arco.5056

Front, back and sides: experimental replication and archaeological analysis of Hawaiian adzes and associated debitage

2015

Journal Article

Flake scar density and handaxe reduction intensity

Shipton, C. and Clarkson, C. (2015). Flake scar density and handaxe reduction intensity. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2, 169-175. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2015.01.013

Flake scar density and handaxe reduction intensity

2015

Journal Article

The archaeology, chronology and stratigraphy of Madjedbebe (Malakunanja II): A site in northern Australia with early occupation

Clarkson, Chris, Smith, Mike, Marwick, Ben, Fullagar, Richard, Wallis, Lynley, A., Faulkner, Patrick, Manne, Tiina, Hayes, Elspeth, Roberts, Richard, G., Jacobs, Zenobia, Carah, Xavier, Lowe, Kelsey M., Matthews, Jacqueline and Florin, S. Anna (2015). The archaeology, chronology and stratigraphy of Madjedbebe (Malakunanja II): A site in northern Australia with early occupation. Journal of Human Evolution, 83, 46-64. doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2015.03.014

The archaeology, chronology and stratigraphy of Madjedbebe (Malakunanja II): A site in northern Australia with early occupation

2015

Book Chapter

Retouch intensity on Quina scrapers at Combe Grenal: a test of the reduction model

Hiscock, Peter and Clarkson, Chris (2015). Retouch intensity on Quina scrapers at Combe Grenal: a test of the reduction model. Taxonomic tapestries : the threads of evolutionary, behavioural and conservation research . (pp. 103-128) edited by Alison M. Behie and Marc F. Oxenham. Canberra, ACT, Australia: ANU.

Retouch intensity on Quina scrapers at Combe Grenal: a test of the reduction model

2015

Book Chapter

When to retouch, haft, or discard? Modeling optimal use/maintenance schedules in lithic tool use

Clarkson, Chris, Haslam, Michael and Harris, Clair (2015). When to retouch, haft, or discard? Modeling optimal use/maintenance schedules in lithic tool use. Lithic technological systems and evolutionary theory. (pp. 117-138) edited by Goodale, Nathan and Andrefsky Jr., William. New York, NY United States: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/CBO9781139207775.011

When to retouch, haft, or discard? Modeling optimal use/maintenance schedules in lithic tool use

2014

Journal Article

Estimating original flake mass on blades using 3D platform area: problems and prospects

Muller, Antoine and Clarkson, Chris (2014). Estimating original flake mass on blades using 3D platform area: problems and prospects. Journal of Archaeological Science, 52, 31-38. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2014.08.025

Estimating original flake mass on blades using 3D platform area: problems and prospects

2014

Journal Article

Ground-penetrating radar and burial practices in western Arnhem Land, Australia

Lowe, Kelsey M., Wallis, Lynley A., Pardoe, Colin, Marwick, Ben, Clarkson, Chris, Manne, Tiina, Smith, Mike A. and Fullagar, Richard (2014). Ground-penetrating radar and burial practices in western Arnhem Land, Australia. Archaeology in Oceania, 49 (3), 148-157. doi: 10.1002/arco.5039

Ground-penetrating radar and burial practices in western Arnhem Land, Australia

2014

Journal Article

Determining the reduction sequence of Hawaiian quadrangular adzes using 3D approaches: a case study from Moloka'i

Clarkson, Chris, Shipton, Ceri and Weisler, Marshall (2014). Determining the reduction sequence of Hawaiian quadrangular adzes using 3D approaches: a case study from Moloka'i. Journal of Archaeological Science, 49 (1), 361-371. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2014.05.031

Determining the reduction sequence of Hawaiian quadrangular adzes using 3D approaches: a case study from Moloka'i

2014

Journal Article

Mapping stone: Using GIS spatial modelling to predict lithic source zones

Clarkson, Chris and Bellas, Angelo (2014). Mapping stone: Using GIS spatial modelling to predict lithic source zones. Journal of Archaeological Science, 46 (1), 324-333. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2014.03.035

Mapping stone: Using GIS spatial modelling to predict lithic source zones

2014

Journal Article

The organisation of drill production at a neolithic lithic workshop site of Bai Ben, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Nguyen, Dong Truong and Clarkson, Chris (2014). The organisation of drill production at a neolithic lithic workshop site of Bai Ben, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. Bulletin of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association, 33, 24-39. doi: 10.7152/bippa.v33i0.14508

The organisation of drill production at a neolithic lithic workshop site of Bai Ben, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

2014

Conference Publication

Usewear on the platform: 'use-flakes' and 'retouch-flakes' from northern Australia and Timor

Hayes, Elspeth H., Fullagar, Richard L. K., Clarkson, Christopher J. and O’Connor, Sue (2014). Usewear on the platform: 'use-flakes' and 'retouch-flakes' from northern Australia and Timor. An Integration of the Use-Wear and Residue Analysis for the Identification of the Function of Archaeological Stone Tools: International Workshop, Rome, Italy, 5-7 March, 2012. Oxford, United Kingdom: Archaeopress.

Usewear on the platform: 'use-flakes' and 'retouch-flakes' from northern Australia and Timor

2014

Book Chapter

East of Eden: founder effects and the archaeological signature of modern human dispersal

Clarkson, Christopher (2014). East of Eden: founder effects and the archaeological signature of modern human dispersal. Southern Asia, Australia, and the search for human origins. (pp. 76-89) edited by Robin Dennell and Martin Porr. New York, United States: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/CBO9781139084741.007

East of Eden: founder effects and the archaeological signature of modern human dispersal

2013

Journal Article

Generativity, hierarchical action and recursion in the Acheulean to Middle Palaeolithic transition: a perspective from Patpara, the Son Valley, India

Shipton, C., Clarkson, C., Pal, J. N., Jones, S. C., Roberts, R. G., Harris, C., Gupta, M. C., Ditchfield, P. W. and Petraglia, M. D. (2013). Generativity, hierarchical action and recursion in the Acheulean to Middle Palaeolithic transition: a perspective from Patpara, the Son Valley, India. Journal of Human Evolution, 65 (2), 93-108. doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2013.03.007

Generativity, hierarchical action and recursion in the Acheulean to Middle Palaeolithic transition: a perspective from Patpara, the Son Valley, India

2013

Journal Article

Variation in lithic technological strategies among the Neanderthals of Gibraltar

Shipton, Ceri, Clarkson, Christopher, Antonio Bernal, Marco, Boivin, Nicole, Finlayson, Clive, Finlayson, Geraldine, Fa, Darren, Giles Pacheco, Francisco and Petraglia, Michael (2013). Variation in lithic technological strategies among the Neanderthals of Gibraltar. PLoS ONE, 8 (6) e65185, e65185.1-e65185.13. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065185

Variation in lithic technological strategies among the Neanderthals of Gibraltar

2013

Journal Article

Measuring core reduction using 3D flake scar density: A test case of changing core reduction at Klasies River Mouth, South Africa

Clarkson, Chris (2013). Measuring core reduction using 3D flake scar density: A test case of changing core reduction at Klasies River Mouth, South Africa. Journal of Archaeological Science, 40 (12), 4348-4357. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2013.06.007

Measuring core reduction using 3D flake scar density: A test case of changing core reduction at Klasies River Mouth, South Africa

2013

Book Chapter

An introduction to stone artefact analysis

Clarkson, Chris and O'Connor, Sue (2013). An introduction to stone artefact analysis. Archaeology in practice: a student guide to archaeological analyses. (pp. 151-206) edited by Jane Balme and Alistair Paterson. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons.

An introduction to stone artefact analysis

Funding

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2027
    The stone toolkit of the first Homo sapiens from Africa to Australia
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    The impact of sea level rise on humans in Indonesia and the origins of new rock art styles, technological change and seafaring. Stage 1: Partner Meetings and Workshops in Jakarta
    Rock Art Australia Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    High-speed impact fractures and the global origins of projectile technology
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Rock art, archaeology and climate change in the Meikinj Valley, Western Arnhem Land
    Rock Art Australia Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    When did modern humans first reach Australia? New Excavations at Malangangerr, Kakadu National Park
    National Geographic Society
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Establishing the antiquity and quantity of pigment processing at Madjedbebe
    Rock Art Australia Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Zooming In, Zooming Out: High-Definition Multi-Scalar Technologies in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Environment
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS) and ancillary preparation systems for carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope microanalysis for archaeology, biology, earth and environmental scie
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    New Archaeological Investigations at Ancient Sites in Kakadu National Park
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Ochre Origins: analysing early evidence of the human colonisation of Sahul
    Australian Synchrotron Access Program
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Operationalising research collections in archaeological science and museum studies
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013
    AMS Radiocarbon dating of ancient hearths associated with burials, early occupation, grindstones and ground edge axes at Malakunanja II
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Building Capacity in Experimental and Scientific Archaeology at UQ
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Archaeology of rock art in Jawoyn country, western Arnhem Land (ARC Linkage Project administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2012
    A social science e-research hub for data management, analysis and dissemination in material and visual culture
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Analysis of the Lithic Assemblage from Mt Gellibrand
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Archaeological survey of 75 km of easement - Calvale
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Archaeological survey of 45 km of easement - Bouldercombe
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Modern Human Origins and Early Behavioural Complexity in Australia and South East Asia
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011
    New directions and capacity building in archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    ResTeach 2011 0.1 FTE School of Social Science
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Enhanced field and laboratory microscopy and spectroscopy facilities for understanding past and current environmental changes in Geographical and Archaeological Sciences
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Characterisation of chert quarries and the archaeology of the Hiri Trade System, Gulf Province Lowlands, PNG
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Assessing lithic evidence for the impact of the Toba super-eruption (74,000 years ago) on long-term cultural, biological and ecological histories on the Indian subcontinent
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Creating new research opportunities in archaeological & anthropological science
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    The African origins of Asian and Australian lithic technologies: Exploring modern human origins and dispersals using new techniques of core analysis
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Modelling Early Human Diversity and Dispersal Routes Using Quantitative Analysis of Palaeolithic Core Technologies
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Professor Chris Clarkson is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Analysis of stone artefact assemblages or experimental archaeology

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    High-speed impact fractures and the global origins of projectile technology

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Seed grinding in traditional Aboriginal Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Seed grinding in traditional Aboriginal Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Professor Chris Clarkson directly for media enquiries about:

  • Archaeology
  • Human Evolution
  • Indigenous Archaeology
  • Stone Tools

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au