Handbook for the Analysis of Micro-Particles in Archaeological Samples

This handbook provides a resource for those already familiar with some kinds of micro-particles who wish to learn more about others, or for those just starting out in the study of microremains who wish to have a broad understanding about microscopic archaeology. Topics covered in this handbook include diatom microfossils, starch granules, pollen grains, phytoliths, natural fibers, volcanic glass, minerals, insect remains, and feathers.

Archaeological investigations increasingly rely on specialist identification of microscopic remnants found in sites. These micro-particles can provide information about the site environment and human activities that may not be apparent from artifacts and materials preserved on the macro-scale, and have given us new, and often high-profile, information about our past. The investigation of this "invisible archaeology" - that is, invisible to the naked eye - is still somewhat new, and generally each kind of micro-particle is studied individually. Researchers become experts in a narrow range of micro-particle types, but may be less familiar with, or even completely unaware of, the multitude of other forms that are frequently encountered in archaeological samples. This handbook's accessible approach is suitable for those at the beginner level.

Auteur

Dr. Amanda G. Henry received her PhD in Hominid Paleobiology from the George Washington University, with a project looking at the consumption of plants by Neanderthals and early modern humans. She is broadly interested in plant foods and diet in the past, including the use of plant microremains such as starch grains and phytoliths as archaeological markers. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University

Contenu

Preface.- Chapter 1. Introduction.- Part I. Micro-Particles primarily used for reconstructing environmental and sedimentary contexts.- Chapter 2. Coccoliths and Other Marine Microfossils in Microparticle Analysis.- Chapter 3. Diatom Microfossils in Archeological Settings.- Chapter 4. Non-pollen Palynomorphs.- Part 2. Micro-Particles primarily used for analysis of human behavior - diet, health, plant use, animal husbandry, and more.- Chapter 5. Starch Granules as Markers of Diet and Behavior.- Chapter 6. Ash and Dung Calcitic Micro-Remains.- Chapter 7. Identification of Natural Fibers.- Chapter 8. Parasite Microremains: Preservation, Recovery, Processing, and Identification.- Part 3. Micro-Particles widely used for both environmental and behavioral reconstruction.- Chapter 9. Pollen and Archaeology.- Chapter 10. Microscopic Charcoal Signal in Archaeological Contexts.- Chapter 11. Phytolith Analysis in Paleoecology and Archaeology.- Chapter 12. Other Micro-particles: Volcanic Glass, Minerals, Insect Remains, Feathers, and Other Plant Parts.- Index.