The Department of Archaeology at the College of Arts and Social Sciences hosted an engaging lecture titled “Tracking Mobility and the Advent of Herding in Arabia and the Horn of Africa Using Obsidian Sourcing and Stone Tools”. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Lamya Khalidi, an archaeology researcher from the University of Côte d’Azur, France.

Dr. Khalidi, a leading expert in prehistoric mobility in the region, explored the transition from hunting and gathering to herding and domestication in the Horn of Africa and Southeastern Arabia. She discussed how this arrhythmic transition unfolded over time, highlighting that these practices did not replace one another entirely but often coexisted. Cultural continuity was evident, with hunting and gathering persisting alongside early herding and domestic practices.

The lecture focused on the innovative methods used to trace human mobility across Northeastern Africa and Southeastern Arabia. Dr. Khalidi explained how variations in elevation and precipitation patterns played a role in shaping the routes and patterns of ancient movement across the prehistoric ages.

A key tool in this research is obsidian—a volcanic, silica-rich stone known for its sharp edges and use in crafting prehistoric tools. By analysing the chemical composition of obsidian artefacts, researchers can trace their geological origins and thereby map out ancient networks of interaction and migration.

This lecture provided valuable insights into the cultural and environmental dynamics of early societies in Arabia and the Horn of Africa and sparked vibrant discussion among students and faculty alike.