Osteoarchaeology & Zooarchaeology
Our Services
Osteoarchaeology
Since its establishment, ACSU has gained a wealth of experience regarding the recovery and recording of human remains both prior to, and during excavation. Today we offer services in the excavation, recording and post-excavation analyses of human skeletal remains through our in-house osteoarchaeology services.
We work with a variety of burial types such as inhumations, cremations, disarticulated human bone and co-mingled remains. Following post-excavation analysis, a complete report with the following information (where available) is provided:
- Skeletal and dental inventories.
- Estimation of biological sex.
- Age-at-death and stature.
- Discussion of skeletal preservation.
- Comparative research.
- Digital photography.
We also assist with further scientific analysis, such as AMS dating, radio isotope analysis and 3D modelling. Our osteology laboratory is equipped with a wide range of osteometric equipment and reference material in order to provide a detailed analysis for our clients. As well as excavation and post-excavation services, we also conduct various forms of outreach and community projects such as presentations and school talks/visits. Our osteoarchaeology team strongly adheres to all current guidelines, legislation and best practice standards in the treatment of archaeological human remains.
Zooarchaeology
ACSU also offer extensive expertise in the excavation, identification and recording of animal skeletal remains through our in-house zooarchaeological services.
All animal remains are analysed to establish what species were present and to gain an insight into the human animal relationships, including butchery practices, herd management and hunting. Our team strongly adheres to all best practice standards in the treatment of archaeological faunal remains and can advise on further scientific analysis, such as AMS dating, isotope analysis and ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry).