Archaeobotanical, or paleoethnobotanical, analysis is an integral part of the archaeological process. Archaeology sites, both prehistoric and historic, are loaded with plant remains, like burned seeds, wood charcoal, and charred plant-based artifacts.  Identification of archaeological plant remains helps archaeobotanists to comment on the immediate environment of a settlement, identify subsistence strategies, and explore the intensity of settlement occupation. Recovering these burned plant remains is as easy as collecting a bag of soil from the right context. Back in the lab the soil samples are put through the flotation process, which separates the plant remains from the soil using water in a flotation machine.

The OVAI Archaeobotanical Laboratory, directed by Karen L. Leone, provides a range of archaeobotanical services.

Archaeobotanical Services Offered

• Taxonomic identification of hand-collected charcoal samples. Identifications are tabulated and, if requested, presented along with recommendations for radiocarbon dating selections.
   
• Flotation-processing of soil samples using a Flote-Tech water processing machine (Model A1).
   
• Macrobotanical analysis of samples, including taxonomic identification and quantification of seeds, wood charcoal species, nuts, etc. Results are tabulated, statistically summarized, and presented as a comprehensive report with inter- and intra-site comparisons. Example data table
  
  Example Ebot Report--The Bryan Site, Ohio County, West Virginia

Regions Covered

• The OVAI Archaeobotanical Laboratory works with prehistoric and historic samples from all over the Eastern United States.
   
• To date, the lab has worked with samples from: Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Collecting Samples: Recommendations

• We recommend larger soil samples (10 liters) when possible.
• Collect samples from a variety of contexts, including refuse pits, buried middens, posts, privies and wells (from historic sites), and non-site locations (as control).
• Samples should be double bagged (if using plastic), with labels on the outside and inside of the bag.

Sending Samples

• Samples can be dropped off at our office or mailed using USPS, FedEx, or other carriers (our address).
• For large numbers of bulky samples, OVAI can come pick up your samples.

Cost Structure

• Analysis costs are based on a per sample rate.
• Bulk discounts provided for large projects.