Archaeobotany Laboratory

Analysis and study of woods, including those preserved by waterlogging and mineral-replacement, as well as fibres, and crafts made of these materials. It includes the elaboration of prototype proposals based on archaeological models.

Problem addresed: Public institutions, museum staff and other entities, foundations, research centers, companies dedicated to archaeological activity, the creation of contents, artisan groups, etc., require advisory or analysis services, both for the execution of their technical work and to improve knowledge based on scientific information, for the exhibition and dissemination of this type of archaeological material, the creation of prototypes based on past models for didactic, exhibition or commercial purposes, with high added value, or the promotion of crafts.

Proposed solution: Procedures for the extraction, gathering, processing or conservation of samples and archaeobotanical analysis developed have already been applied in different archaeological contexts obtaining very novel and detailed information and results, unable to be achieved by other means. This includes the taxonomic classification of archaeobotanical samples, dendrological and taphonomic data of anthracological samples, as well as establishing the type of management of woodland resources in the context studied, architectural remains, materials, firewood used, adequately characterising the site at a chronological, spatial, functional, structural and productive level and in its relationship with the environment.

Competitive advantages

Comprehensive analysis service for the characterisation of fragile plant macroremains and advice on archaeological work.
Analysis not only of charred remains, but also of waterlogged and mineral replaced wood and the analysis of fibres, including those preserved as imprints on other materials.
Possibility of examination of manufactured items in plant materials and the elaboration of prototype proposals based on archaeological models.