Anthracology and Wood Identification
Curious about what species a piece of wood might be or what trees were at an archaeological site? So are we.
Lignum Lab utilises microscopy to observe the structure of the wood and identification of what taxon/species* the wood is and, in the case of anthracology, if any dendrological features may provide information about the part of the tree or the condition of the wood prior to carbonisation.
Anthracology and wood identification may:
Improve reliability of radiocarbon dating through identification of twig or short-lived species.
Give insight into species selection for firewood and gathering strategies.
Provide ecological information about a site including vegetation communities and types.
Contribute to palaeoecological and landscape dynamics reconstructions.
Identify wood selection in buildings and structures and associated information about timber use and import in the past.
Recognise wood used for taonga or artefacts.
Identify species/genus present in the past to guide projects to reestablish vegetation communities and resources.
Meet compliance requirements of archaeological authority or resource consent conditions.
*In some cases identification may not be possible to species but will instead be made to genus or family level
Basics of taxonomic identification
Taxonomic identification of wood involves the observation of the anatomical characteristics of the wood/charcoal, i.e. vessels, rays, parenchyma, on three planes of orientation (illustrated below). Features observed are compared to reference material including both physical wood and charcoal samples curated in a xylarium and written descriptions from publications and wood databases. Wood/charcoal identification is made to the lowest order, usually species but in some cases on a genus or family.
Services
Anthracological analysis
Taxonomic identification and dendrological analysis of charcoal
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Anthracological analysis will identify species/genera/family. Lignum Lab will examine all fragments or a subsample of fragments within a sample (depending on overall size of sample). Bias in species identification can occur when particular sizes are selected therefore Lignum adopts a random sampling methodology.
Fragments are snapped to create a clean, fresh surface and examined using Reflected light microscopy. Based on the anatomical features of the wood a taxonomic identification is made as well as noting any dendrological features which may provide insight into plant part or condition prior to burning.
Fragments which are likely to have limited inbuilt age will be sub bagged based on taxon or plant part.
A report is generated which describes the results, methodology, and any relevant environmental and ecological details that may contribute to assemblage or site interpretation or selection of sub bagged material for radiocarbon dating.
The context and size of the sample may limit how comprehensive the environmental analysis or amount or quality of material with limited inbuilt age
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Price by enquiry
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Only fragments larger than 2mm can be identified, smaller fragment do not need to removed from a sample but will not be analysed.
Samples larger than 50g can be subsampled to 50g
Wood identification
Taxonomic identification of wood or wooden artefacts.
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Prior to preparation, an initial macroscopic examination is made of the sample. If the sample is from fresh wood, observations such as colour will be made. Note this is not undertaken for archaeological or old wood samples as weathering and depositional processes can change the natural colour and bias results.
A subsample of the material is cut and it is treated by soaking and boiling in order to prepare the wood for section. The sample is either hand sectioned or sectioned using a rotary microtome, depending on the density and size of the sample. The thin section is stained and mounted on a microscope slide to be examined using transmitted light microscopy.
For artefacts where destructive sampling must be limited, a small hand section will be removed from a discrete location on the artefact with as little damage as possible.
Based on the anatomical features a taxonomic identification will be made and report produced describing the method, results and any relevant ecological or historic context associated with the results.
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Wood samples from a single site/building/context
Site fee $80
Per sample $80
Artefact
Manufactured in New Zealand - $160
Internationally manufactured - Price by enquiry
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Sample can be submitted as a whole or a cut subsample.
A sub-sample must be a minimum of a 50mm cube of the best preserved material. Multiple subsamples from a single sample may be submitted and Lignum will select the best one for analysis.
All services include a written report detailing the methodology, results and any relevant historical, ecological and environmental comments/context associated with results which may assist in site interpretation and use of material for radiocarbon dating.
Lignum Lab does not comment on Māori cultural practices, and will only make limited comment on plant use based on available literature and resources. If you want further information about these aspects of the site, it is recommended that you discuss the results with mana whenua who may choose to share insight with you.
Examples of reports are available by clicking the links below. Please note that the level of detail in relation to historical, ecological, and environmental information and comparative data will vary between reports depending on resource availability.
Please note:
Prices included on the website are indicative only. Upon receiving a sample, Lignum will review the material and provide a quote to be accepted before undertaking analysis.
Pricing is for a single site, you can submit multiple sites/projects at once, but these will be priced and reported on separately. Identification is the lowest possible order, ideally species, but in some cases to genus or family. Degradation of samples may limit identification or make species identification impossible; this may not be identifiable until after the sample is processed and a cost for the processing will still be incurred.
Lignum Lab requires context information relevant to the sample to be submitted with the sample material, this includes the environmental and cultural context and archaeological site number (if relevant).
Lignum Lab does not accept insurable interest for material in transit or our custody but will ensure that all material is securely stored and returned via track and trace courier or hand delivery unless otherwise arranged.