Francesco d'Errico

Francesco d'Errico is a Professor at the University of Bergen's Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural and Religious Studies. His research focuses on human evolution, Paleolithic archaeology, and the origins of symbolic behavior. He leads interdisciplinary projects examining material culture, such as stone tools, bone artifacts, and personal ornaments, to understand cognitive and cultural developments.

Key Affiliations:

• Professor, University of Bergen
• Principal investigator in the SapienCE (Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour) project funded by the Research Council of Norway

Research Interests:

d'Errico explores the emergence of modern human behavior through studies of prehistoric technology, symbolism, and social organization. His work integrates archaeological, genetic, and neuroimaging methods to trace cognitive evolution. Notable topics include early bone tool use (e.g., Border Cave), ochre processing (Blombos Cave), and the spread of cultural innovations across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Recent Work Trends:

Publications emphasize the gradual evolution of symbolic thought, including abstract engravings, personal adornments, and niche construction. Collaborations with institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand and Bordeaux involve fieldwork in South Africa, China, and France.

Awards & Grants:

Recipient of the Research Council of Norway's SapienCE grant (2016–2026). Major contributions to international projects like Panga ya Saidi and excavations at Lingjing, China.

Advising & Labs:

Supervises doctoral research on Paleolithic technology and symbolic behavior. Associated with the Archaeological Materials Analysis Lab at Bergen, focusing on microscopy and geochemical analyses.

Key Sites:

• Border Cave (South Africa): 227,000-year-old deposits revealing plant bedding and bone tools
• Blombos Cave: Evidence of early abstract drawings and ochre use
• Lingjing (China): 115,000-year-old bone retouchers and engraved artifacts