New Upcoming PAAC Opportunity:

From Rocks to Tools: Basic Lithic Analysis Workshop

Save the Date: December 5, 2026. History Colorado Center

More Details to follow later in the fall.

Description: Ready to move beyond "just rocks" and be able to interpret the archaeological record? This hands-on workshop is designed for participants of all levels who want to build confidence in the fundamentals of chipped stone analysis.

Across five focused hours, you'll move from core concepts to practical application. The morning session introduces raw material identification, the mechanics of stone tool production, and how to recognize key flake attributes. In the afternoon, you'll apply these skills in an Integrated Hands-On Lab, working directly with real chipped stone assemblages. You'll practice classifying debitage and formal tools, learn standard measurement and recording techniques, and explore how lithic data relate to human behavior, technological choices, and cultural patterns.

Whether you're new to lithics or looking to strengthen your analytical toolkit, this workshop offers a practical, approachable path into the world of chipped stone analysis.

Instructor: Sarah Allaun, Assistant State Archaeologist, Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, History Colorado