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.
Journal Article: The Proceduralization of Hominin Knapping Skill: Memorizing Different Lithic Technologies
Muller, Antoine, Shipton, Ceri and Clarkson, Chris (2023). The Proceduralization of Hominin Knapping Skill: Memorizing Different Lithic Technologies. Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 1-18. doi: 10.1017/s0959774323000070
Journal Article: 65,000-years of continuous grinding stone use at Madjedbebe, Northern Australia
Hayes, Elspeth H., Fullagar, Richard, Field, Judith H., Coster, Adelle C.F., Matheson, Carney, Nango, May, Djandjomerr, Djaykuk, Marwick, Ben, Wallis, Lynley A., Smith, Mike A. and Clarkson, Chris (2022). 65,000-years of continuous grinding stone use at Madjedbebe, Northern Australia. Scientific Reports, 12 (1) 11747, 1-17. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-15174-x
Journal Article: Holding your shape: controlled tip fracture experiments on cast porcelain points
Neill, Liam, Clarkson, Chris and Schoville, Benjamin (2022). Holding your shape: controlled tip fracture experiments on cast porcelain points. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 44 103505, 103505. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2022.103505
High-speed impact fractures and the global origins of projectile technology
(2023–2026) ARC Discovery Projects
Establishing the antiquity and quantity of pigment processing at Madjedbebe
(2022–2023) Rock Art Australia Strategic Grants
When did modern humans first reach Australia? New Excavations at Malangangerr, Kakadu National Park
(2021–2023) National Geographic Society
Hidden in the Haematite: patterns of continuity and change reflected in the selection, production and use of haematite at Madjedbebe, Arhmen Land, Australia
Doctor Philosophy
Seed grinding in traditional Aboriginal Australia
Doctor Philosophy
(2020) Master Philosophy
Analysis of stone artefact assemblages or experimental archaeology
Clarkson, C. (2007). Lithics in the Land of the Lightning Brothers: The Archaeology of Wardaman Country, Northern Territory (Terra Australis 25). Canberra: ANU E Press.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
Haslam, Michael, Clarkson, Chris, Petraglia, Michael, Korisettar, Ravi, B., Janardhana, Boivin, Nicole, Ditchfield, Peter, Jones, Sacha and Mackay, Alex (2010). Indian lithic technology prior to the 74,000 BP Toba super-eruption: Searching for an early modern human signature. The upper Palaeolithic revolution in global perspective: Papers in honour of Sir Paul Mellars. (pp. 73-84) edited by Katherine V. Boyle, Clive Gamble, Ofer Bar-Yosef and James Barrett. Cambridge, U.K.: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Cambridge University.
Regional diversity within the core technology of the Howiesons Poort techno-complex
Clarkson, Chris (2010). Regional diversity within the core technology of the Howiesons Poort techno-complex. New perspectives on old stones: Analytical approaches to palaeolithic technologies. (pp. 43-60) edited by Lycett, S. and Chauhan, P.. New York , U.S.A.: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6861-6_3
Stone artefact manufacture at the Natunuku, Votua, Kulu and Ugaga sites, Fiji
Clarkson, Chris and Schmidt, Lyn (2009). Stone artefact manufacture at the Natunuku, Votua, Kulu and Ugaga sites, Fiji. The early prehistory of Fiji. (pp. 345-372) edited by Geoffrey Clark and Atholl Anderson. Canberra, A.C.T., Australia: ANU E Press.
Changing Reduction Intensity, Settlement, and Subsistence in W ardaman Country, Northern Australia
Clarkson, C.J. (2008). Changing Reduction Intensity, Settlement, and Subsistence in W ardaman Country, Northern Australia. Lithic Technology: Measures of production, use, and curation. (pp. 286-316) edited by Andrefsky, W.. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/CBO9780511499661.014
Clarkson, Christopher J. (2008). Lithics in the landscape. Handbook of landscape archaeology. (pp. 490-501) edited by Bruno David and Julian Thomas. Walnut Creek, CA, U.S.A.: Left Coast Press.
Hiscock, P and Clarkson, Christopher J. (2008). The construction of morphological diversity: A study of Mousterian Implement retouching at Combe Grenal. Lithic Technology: Measures of Production, Use, and Curation.. (pp. 106-135) edited by Andrefsky, W.. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/CBO9780511499661.006
An Introduction to Stone Artefact Analysis
Clarkson, C. J. and O'Connor, S. (2006). An Introduction to Stone Artefact Analysis. Archaeology in Practice: A Student Guide to Archaeological Analyses. (pp. 159-206) edited by J. Blame and A. Patterson. Malden: Blackwell Publishing.
Ulm, Sean, Cotter, Stephen, Cotter, Maria, Lilley, Ian, Clarkson, Chris and Reid, Jill (2005). Edge-ground hatchets on the Southern Curtis Coast, Central Queensland: A preliminary Assessment of Technology, Chronology and Provenance. Many Exchanges: Archaeology, History, Community and the Work of Isabel McBryde. (pp. 323-342) edited by Ingereth Macfarlane, Mary-Jane Mountain and Robert Paton. Canberra: Aboriginal History Inc..
Introduction: Casting new light on old stones
Clarkson, C. J. and Lamb, L. (2005). Introduction: Casting new light on old stones. Lithics 'Down Under': Australian Approaches to Lithic Reduction, Use and Classification. (pp. 1-6) edited by C. Clarkson and L. Lamb. Oxford: Archaeopress.
Measuring Artefact Reduction: An evaluation of Kuhn's Geometric Index of Unifacial Reduction
Hiscock, Peter and Clarkson, Chris (2005). Measuring Artefact Reduction: An evaluation of Kuhn's Geometric Index of Unifacial Reduction. Lithics 'Down Under': Australian Approaches to Lithic Reduction, Use and Classification. (pp. 7-20) edited by Clarkson, Chris and Lamb, Lara. Oxford: Archaeopress.
Clarkson, Chris (2005). Tenuous Types - Scraper Reduction Continuums in the Eastern Victoria River Region, Northern Territory. Lithics "Down Under": Australian Approaches to Lithic Reduction, Use and Classification. (pp. 21-34) Oxford: Archaeopress.
Clarkson, C. and Wallis, Lynley (2003). The search for El Nino/Southern Oscillation in archaeological Sites: Recent results from Jugali-Ya Rockshelter, Wardaman Country, Australia. Phytolith and starch research in the Australian-Pacific-Asian regions : the state of the art : papers from a conference held at the ANU, August 2001, Canberra, Australia. (pp. 137-152) edited by D.M. Hart and L. A. Wallis. Canberra: Pandanus Press: The Australian National University.
The Proceduralization of Hominin Knapping Skill: Memorizing Different Lithic Technologies
Muller, Antoine, Shipton, Ceri and Clarkson, Chris (2023). The Proceduralization of Hominin Knapping Skill: Memorizing Different Lithic Technologies. Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 1-18. doi: 10.1017/s0959774323000070
65,000-years of continuous grinding stone use at Madjedbebe, Northern Australia
Hayes, Elspeth H., Fullagar, Richard, Field, Judith H., Coster, Adelle C.F., Matheson, Carney, Nango, May, Djandjomerr, Djaykuk, Marwick, Ben, Wallis, Lynley A., Smith, Mike A. and Clarkson, Chris (2022). 65,000-years of continuous grinding stone use at Madjedbebe, Northern Australia. Scientific Reports, 12 (1) 11747, 1-17. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-15174-x
Holding your shape: controlled tip fracture experiments on cast porcelain points
Neill, Liam, Clarkson, Chris and Schoville, Benjamin (2022). Holding your shape: controlled tip fracture experiments on cast porcelain points. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 44 103505, 103505. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2022.103505
Filling in the blanks: standardization of lithic flake production throughout the stone age
Muller, Antoine and Clarkson, Chris (2022). Filling in the blanks: standardization of lithic flake production throughout the stone age. Lithic Technology, 1-15. doi: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2103290
Florin, S. Anna, Fairbairn, Andrew S., Nango, May, Djandjomerr, Djaykuk, Hua, Quan, Marwick, Ben, Reutens, David C., Fullagar, Richard, Smith, Mike, Wallis, Lynley A. and Clarkson, Chris (2022). 65,000 years of changing plant food and landscape use at Madjedbebe, Mirarr country, northern Australia. Quaternary Science Reviews, 284 107498, 107498. doi: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2022.107498
Stone toolmaking difficulty and the evolution of hominin technological skills
Muller, Antoine, Shipton, Ceri and Clarkson, Chris (2022). Stone toolmaking difficulty and the evolution of hominin technological skills. Scientific Reports, 12 (1) 5883, 5883. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-09914-2
Stochastic models support rapid peopling of Late Pleistocene Sahul
Bradshaw, Corey J. A., Norman, Kasih, Ulm, Sean, Williams, Alan N., Clarkson, Chris, Chadœuf, Joël, Lin, Sam C., Jacobs, Zenobia, Roberts, Richard G., Bird, Michael I., Weyrich, Laura S., Haberle, Simon G., O’Connor, Sue, Llamas, Bastien, Cohen, Tim J., Friedrich, Tobias, Veth, Peter, Leavesley, Matthew and Saltré, Frédérik (2021). Stochastic models support rapid peopling of Late Pleistocene Sahul. Nature Communications, 12 (1) 2440, 1-11. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21551-3
Holocene grinding stones at Madjedbebe reveal the processing of starchy plant taxa and animal tissue
Hayes, E. H., Field, J. H., Coster, A. C.F., Fullagar, R., Matheson, C., Florin, S. A., Nango, M., Djandjomerr, D., Marwick, B., Wallis, L. A., Smith, M. A. and Clarkson, C. (2021). Holocene grinding stones at Madjedbebe reveal the processing of starchy plant taxa and animal tissue. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 35 102754. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102754
Florin, S. Anna, Roberts, Patrick, Marwick, Ben, Patton, Nicholas R., Shulmeister, James, Lovelock, Catherine E., Barry, Linda A., Hua, Quan, Nango, May, Djandjomerr, Djaykuk, Fullagar, Richard, Wallis, Lynley A., Fairbairn, Andrew S. and Clarkson, Chris (2021). Pandanus nutshell generates a palaeoprecipitation record for human occupation at Madjedbebe, northern Australia. Nature Ecology and Evolution, 5 (3), 295-303. doi: 10.1038/s41559-020-01379-8
Mildwaters, John and Clarkson, Chris (2020). An experimental assessment of the grinding characteristics of some native seeds used by Aboriginal Australians. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 30 102127, 102127. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.102127
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Petraglia, Michael D., Alsharekh, Abdullah, Breeze, Paul, Clarkson, Chris, Crassard, Remy, Drake, Nick A., Groucutt, Huw S., Jennings, Richard, Parker, Adrian G., Parton, Ash, Roberts, Richard G., Shipton, Ceri, Matheson, Carney, al-Omari, Abdulaziz and Veall, Margaret-Ashley (2012). Hominin Dispersal into the Nefud Desert and Middle Palaeolithic Settlement along the Jubbah Palaeolake, Northern Arabia. Plos One, 7 (11) e49840, e49840-1-e49840-21. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049840
Haslam, Michael, Clarkson, Chris, Roberts, Richard G., Bora, Janardhana, Korisettar, Ravi, Ditchfield, Peter, Chivas, Allan R., Harris, Clair, Smith, Victoria, Oh, Anna, Eksambekar, Sanjay, Boivin, Nicole and Petraglia, Michael (2012). A southern Indian Middle Palaeolithic occupation surface sealed by the 74 ka Toba eruption: Further evidence from Jwalapuram Locality 22. Quaternary International, 258, 148-164. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2011.08.040
Clarkson, Chris, Jones, Sacha and Harris, Clair (2012). Continuity and change in the lithic industries of the Jurreru Valley, India, before and after the Toba eruption. Quaternary International, 258, 165-179. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2011.11.007
Haslam, Michael, Harris, Clair, Clarkson, Chris, Pal, J. N., Shipton, Ceri, Crowther, Alison, Koshy, Jinu, Bora, Janardhana, Ditchfield, Peter, Ram, Harindra Prasad, Price, Kathryn, Dubey, A. K. and Petraglia, Michael (2012). Dhaba: An initial report on an Acheulean, Middle Palaeolithic and microlithic locality in the Middle Son Valley, north-central India. Quaternary International, 258, 191-199. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2011.09.007
Nawarla Gabarnmang, a 45,180±910 cal BP Site in Jawoyn country, southwest Arnhem Land Plateau
David, Bruno, Geneste, Jean-Michel, Wear, Ray L., Delannoy, Jean-Jacques, Katherine, Margaret, Gunn, R. G., Clarkson, Christopher, Plisson, Hughes, Lee, Preston, Petchey, Fiona, Rowe, Cassandra, Barker, Bryce, Lamb, Lara, Miller, Wes, Hoerle, Stephane, James, Daniel, Boche, Elisa, Aplin, Ken, McNiven, Ian J., Richards, Thomas, Fairbairn, Andrew and Matthews, Jacqueline (2011). Nawarla Gabarnmang, a 45,180±910 cal BP Site in Jawoyn country, southwest Arnhem Land Plateau. Australian Archaeology, 73 (73), 73-77. doi: 10.1080/03122417.2011.11961928
Pelagic fishing at 42,000 years before the present and the maritime skills of modern humans
O'Connor, Sue, Ono, Rintaro and Clarkson, Chris (2011). Pelagic fishing at 42,000 years before the present and the maritime skills of modern humans. Science, 334 (6059), 1117-1121. doi: 10.1126/science.1207703
Langley, Michelle C., Clarkson, Christopher and Ulm, Sean (2011). From small holes to grand narratives: The impact of taphonomy and sample size on the modernity debate in Australia and New Guinea. Journal of Human Evolution, 61 (2), 197-208. doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2011.03.002
Estimating original flake mass from 3D scans of platform area
Clarkson, Chris and Hiscock, Peter (2011). Estimating original flake mass from 3D scans of platform area. Journal of Archaeological Science, 38 (5), 1062-1068. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2010.12.001
Big debates over little tools: Ongoing disputes over microliths on three continents
Hiscock, Peter, Clarkson, Chris and Mackay, Alex (2011). Big debates over little tools: Ongoing disputes over microliths on three continents. World Archaeology, 43 (4), 653-664. doi: 10.1080/00438243.2011.624755
Earliest evidence for ground-edge axes: 35,400±410 cal BP from Jawoyn Country, Arnhem Land
Geneste, Jean-Michel, David, Bruno, Plisson, Hugues, Clarkson, Chris, Delannoy, Jean-Jacques, Petchey, Fiona and Whear, Ray (2010). Earliest evidence for ground-edge axes: 35,400±410 cal BP from Jawoyn Country, Arnhem Land. Australian Archaeology, 71 (71), 66-69. doi: 10.1080/03122417.2010.11689385
McNiven, Ian J., David, Bruno, Aplin, Ken, Pivoru, Max, Pivoru, William, Sexton, Alex, Brown, Jonathan, Clarkson, Chris, Connell, Kate, Stanisic, John, Weisler, Marshall, Haberle, Simon, Fairbairn, Andrew and Kemp, Noel (2010). Historicising the present: Late Holocene emergence of a rainforest hunting camp, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. Australian Archaeology, 71 (71), 41-56. doi: 10.1080/03122417.2010.11689383
Haslam, Michael, Clarkson, Chris, Petraglia, Michael, Korisettar, Ravi, Jones, Sacha, Shipton, Ceri, Ditchfield, Peter and Ambrose, Stanley H. (2010). The 74 ka Toba super-eruption and southern Indian hominins: Archaeology, lithic technology and environments at Jwalapuram Locality 3. Journal of Archaeological Science, 37 (12), 3370-3384. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2010.07.034
Petraglia, Michael D., Haslam, Michael, Fuller, Dorian Q., Boivin, Nicole and Clarkson, Chris (2010). Out of Africa: New hypotheses and evidence for the dispersal of Homo sapiens along the Indian Ocean rim. Annals of Human Biology, 37 (3), 288-311. doi: 10.3109/03014461003639249
David, Bruno, Geneste, Jean-Michel, Aplin, Ken, Delannoy, Jean-Jacques, Araho, Nick, Clarkson, Chris, Connell, Kate, Haberle, Simon, Barker, Bryce, Lamb, Lara, Stanisic, John, Fairbairn, Andrew, Skelly, Robert and Rowe, Cassandra (2010). The Emo site (OAC), Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea: Resolving long-standing questions of antiquity and implications for the history of the ancestral Hiri maritime trade. Australian Archaeology, 70 (1), 39-54. doi: 10.1080/03122417.2010.11681910
Dynamic approaches to teaching lithic technology: Using YouTube in the classroom
Eren, Metin I., Kollecker Mark A., Clarkson, Christopher J. and Bradley, Bruce A. (2010). Dynamic approaches to teaching lithic technology: Using YouTube in the classroom. Ethnoarchaeology, 2 (2), 223-233.
AUSTRALIA'S EASTERN REGIONAL SEQUENCE REVISITED: TECHNOLOGY AND CHANGE AT CAPERTEE 3
Clarkson, C (2009). AUSTRALIA'S EASTERN REGIONAL SEQUENCE REVISITED: TECHNOLOGY AND CHANGE AT CAPERTEE 3. AUSTRALIAN ARCHAEOLOGY (69), 76-77.
Petraglia, Michael, Clarkson, Christopher, Boivin, Nicole, Haslam, Michael, Korisettar, Ravi, Chaubey, Gyaneshwer, Ditchfield, Peter, Fuller, Dorian, James, Hannah, Jones, Sacha, Kivisild, Toomas, Koshy, Jinu, Lahr, Marta Mirazón, Metspalu, Mait, Roberts, Richard and Arnold, Lee (2009). Population increase and environmental deterioration correspond with microlithic innovations in South Asia ca. 35,000 years ago. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 106 (30), 12261-12266. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0810842106
The reality of reduction experiments and the GIUR: Reply to Eren and Sampson
Hiscock, Peter and Clarkson, Chris (2009). The reality of reduction experiments and the GIUR: Reply to Eren and Sampson. Journal of Archaeological Science, 36 (7), 1576-1581. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2009.03.019
Clarkson, Chris, Petraglia, Michael, Korisettar, Ravi, Haslam, Michael, Boivin, Nicole, Crowther, Alison, Ditchfield, Peter, Fuller, Dorian, Miracle, Preston, Harris, Clair, Connell, Kate, James, Hannah and Koshy, Jinu (2009). The oldest and longest enduring microlithic sequence in India: 35 000 years of modern human occupation and change at the Jwalapuram Locality 9 rockshelter. Antiquity, 83 (320), 326-348. doi: 10.1017/S0003598X0009846X
Petraglia, Michael, Korisettar, Ravi, Bai, M. Kasturi, Boivin, Nicole, Clarkson, Christopher, Cunningham, Kevin, Ditchfield, Peter, Fuller, Dorian, Hampson, Jamie, Haslam, Michael, Jones, Sacha, Koshy, Jinu, Miracle, Preston, Oppenheimer, Clive and White, Kevin (2009). Human occupation, adaptation, and behavioral change in the Pleistocene and Holocene of South India: Recent Investigations in the Kurnool District, India. Eurasian Prehistory, 6 (1-2), 119-166.
Langley, Michelle C., Clarkson, Christopher and Ulm, Sean (2008). Behavioural complexity in Eurasian Neanderthal populations: A chronological examination of the archaeological evidence. Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 18 (3), 289-307. doi: 10.1017/S095977430S000371
Langley, M., Clarkson, C.J. and Ulm, S. (2008). Behavioural complexity in Eurasian Neanderthal populations: A chronological examination of the archaeological evidence. Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 18 (3), 289-307. doi: 10.1017/S0959774308000371
SCRAPER AND NOTCH REDUCTION IN MIDDLE AND UPPER PALAEOLITHIC ASSEMBLAGES FROM CENTRAL EUROPE
Nejman, L. and Clarkson, C.J. (2008). SCRAPER AND NOTCH REDUCTION IN MIDDLE AND UPPER PALAEOLITHIC ASSEMBLAGES FROM CENTRAL EUROPE. Lithic Technology, 33 (1), 17-30. doi: 10.1080/01977261.2008.11721058
Tapping into the past: Exploring the extent of Palaeolithic retouching through experimentation
Clarkson, C. J. and Hiscock, P. (2008). Tapping into the past: Exploring the extent of Palaeolithic retouching through experimentation. Lithic Technology, 33 (1), 5-16. doi: 10.1080/01977261.2008.11721057
Middle Paleolithic Assemblages from the Indian Subcontinent before and after the Toba Super-Eruption
Petraglia, Michael, Korisettar, Ravi, Boivin, Nicole, Clarkson, Christopher, Ditchfield, Peter, Jones, Sacha, Koshy, Jinu, Lahr, Marta Mirazón, Oppenheimer, Clive, Pyle, David, Roberts, Richard, Schwenninger, Jean-Luc, Arnold, Lee and White, Kevin (2007). Middle Paleolithic Assemblages from the Indian Subcontinent before and after the Toba Super-Eruption. Science, 317 (5834), 114-116. doi: 10.1126/science.1141564
Retouched notches at Combe Grenal and the reduction hypothesis
Hiscock, Peter and Clarkson, Chris (2007). Retouched notches at Combe Grenal and the reduction hypothesis. American Antiquity, 72 (1), 176-190. doi: 10.2307/40035303
Explaining point variability in the eastern Victoria river region, northern territory
Clarkson, C. J. (2006). Explaining point variability in the eastern Victoria river region, northern territory. Archaeology In Oceania, 41 (3), 97-106. doi: 10.1002/j.1834-4453.2006.tb00618.x
Comment on "Reassessing Australia's linguistic prehistory" by Mark Clendon
Clarkson, Chris (2006). Comment on "Reassessing Australia's linguistic prehistory" by Mark Clendon. Current Anthropology, 47 (1), 52-53.
Clarkson, Chris (2006). Interpreting Surface Assemblage Variation in Wardaman Country, Northern Territory: An Ecological Approach., 7, 177-192.
Quantifying Flake Scar Patterning on Cores Using 3D Recording Techniques
Clarkson, Chris, Vinicius, Lucio and Lahr, Marta (2006). Quantifying Flake Scar Patterning on Cores Using 3D Recording Techniques. Journal of Archaeological Science, 33 (1), 132-142. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2005.07.007
Reassessing Australia's linguistic prehistory: Comments
Clarkson, C. J. (2006). Reassessing Australia's linguistic prehistory: Comments. Current Anthropology, 47 (1), 52-53. doi: 10.1086/497671
Experimental evaluation of Kuhn's geometric index of reduction and the flat-flake problem
Hiscock, Peter and Clarkson, Chris (2005). Experimental evaluation of Kuhn's geometric index of reduction and the flat-flake problem. Journal of Archaeological Science, 32 (7), 1015-1022. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2005.02.002
Clarkson, Chris (2002). An Index of Invasiveness for the Measurement of Unifacial and Bifacial Retouch: A Theoretical, Experimental and Archaeological Verification. Journal of Archaeological Science, 29 (1), 65-75. doi: 10.1006/jasc.2001.0702
Clarkson, Chris (2002). Holocene scraper reduction, technological organization and landuse at Ingaladdi Rockshelter, northern Australia. Archaeology in Oceania, 37 (2), 79-86. doi: 10.1002/j.1834-4453.2002.tb00508.x
Technological Change in Wardaman Country: Report on the 1999 Season
Clarkson, Chris (2001). Technological Change in Wardaman Country: Report on the 1999 Season. Australian Aboriginal Studies, 2001 (1), 63-68.
Analysing Australian Stone Artefacts: an Agenda for the Twenty-First Century
Clarkson, Chris and Hiscock, Peter (2000). Analysing Australian Stone Artefacts: an Agenda for the Twenty-First Century. Australian Archaeology, 50, 98-108.
Big Foot Art Site, Cania Gorge: Site report
Westcott, Catherine, Lilley, Ian, Ulm, Sean, Clarkson, Chris and Brian, Deborah (1999). Big Foot Art Site, Cania Gorge: Site report. Queensland Archaeological Research, 11, 43-58. doi: 10.25120/qar.11.1999.86
Roof Fall Cave, Cania Gorge: Site report
Eales, Tony, Westcott, Catherine, Lilley, Ian, Ulm, Sean, Brian, Deborah and Clarkson, Chris (1999). Roof Fall Cave, Cania Gorge: Site report. Queensland Archaeological Research, 11, 29-42.
Lilley, Ian, Brian, Deborah, Clarkson, Chris and Ulm, Sean (1998). Pleistocene Aboriginal occupation at Cania Gorge, Central Queensland: preliminary results of fieldwork. Archaeology in Oceania, 33 (1), 28-31. doi: 10.1002/j.1834-4453.1998.tb00397.x
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.
Langley, Michelle C., Ulm, Sean and Clarkson, Chris (2006). Exploring Change in Neanderthal Behavioural Complexity: An Innovative Approach to the Study of Neanderthal Behaviour. Australian Archaeological Association Annual Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, 8-10 December 2006.
Clarkson, C. and Wallis, L. (2003). The search for El Nino/Southern Oscillation in archaeological sites: Recent results for Jugali-ya Rockshelter, Wardaman Country. The State-of-the-Art in Phytolith and Starch Research in the Australian-Pacific-Asian Regions, Canberra, Australia, 1-3 August 2001. Canberra, Australia: Pandanus Books.
Clarkson, Chris (1994). A technological investigation into the beginnings of systematic blade production at Garnawala 2, Northern Territory. Honours Thesis, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2020.459
High-speed impact fractures and the global origins of projectile technology
(2023–2026) ARC Discovery Projects
Establishing the antiquity and quantity of pigment processing at Madjedbebe
(2022–2023) Rock Art Australia Strategic Grants
When did modern humans first reach Australia? New Excavations at Malangangerr, Kakadu National Park
(2021–2023) National Geographic Society
(2019) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2018–2019) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
New Archaeological Investigations at Ancient Sites in Kakadu National Park
(2017–2022) ARC Future Fellowships
Operationalising research collections in archaeological science and museum studies
(2015–2016) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Ochre Origins: analysing early evidence of the human colonisation of Sahul
(2015) Australian Synchrotron Access Program
(2013) Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Building Capacity in Experimental and Scientific Archaeology at UQ
(2013) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2012–2016) Monash University
(2012) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Modern Human Origins and Early Behavioural Complexity in Australia and South East Asia
(2011–2015) ARC Discovery Projects
ResTeach 2011 0.1 FTE School of Social Science
(2011–2013) UQ ResTeach
Analysis of the Lithic Assemblage from Mt Gellibrand
(2011) UniQuest Pty Ltd
Archaeological survey of 45 km of easement - Bouldercombe
(2011) UniQuest Pty Ltd
Archaeological survey of 75 km of easement - Calvale
(2011) UniQuest Pty Ltd
New directions and capacity building in archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research
(2011) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2010–2011) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2009–2011) ARC Discovery Projects
(2009) Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Creating new research opportunities in archaeological & anthropological science
(2008) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2007–2009) ARC Discovery Projects
(2006–2008) UQ Early Career Researcher
Dating occupation pulses at Madjedbebe, Australia's oldest Aboriginal site
(??) Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Hidden in the Haematite: patterns of continuity and change reflected in the selection, production and use of haematite at Madjedbebe, Arhmen Land, Australia
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Seed grinding in traditional Aboriginal Australia
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Characterising damage to bone by Sarcophilus harrisii, Dasyurus maculatus and Dasyurus viverrinus in Australian archaeological assemblages
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Polynesian quarrying and adze production in southern New Zealand: Social organisation and manufacturing technology
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
(2020) Master Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2017) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2017) Master Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2016) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2010) Master Philosophy — Principal Advisor
A Technological Analysis of a Neolithic Lithic Workshop at Bai Ben, Vietnam
(2007) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2021) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Worn to the Bone: Use-wear of bone points from the Madjedbebe rockshelter, Arnhem Land
(2019) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2015) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
Analysis of stone artefact assemblages or experimental archaeology