Anthracology
The identification of wood species through the study of charcoal is fundamental for archaeology.
The MSMAP Laboratory works in collaboration with a partner specialist to help you determine the species and their proportions in fireplaces or occupation grounds.
Why do we do this?
Anthracology makes it possible to reconstruct part of the landscapes and forests of the past, but also to better understand the way humans use wood (forest management, choice of species, etc.).
It also makes it possible to determine if the charcoal comes from small branches, large branches, the center of the trunk or the outside, but also to know if the trees are young or old, depending on the use of the wood (frameworks, utensils, furniture, potters' ovens, forges, domestic fireplaces, etc.).
It is also useful for selecting fragments to be dated by radiocarbon (14C).
Techniques and materials used ?
- Sieving and sorting
- Scalpel or razor blade to reveal anatomical details
- Hand-held magnifying glass magnification X15
- Binocular magnifying glass magnification X45
- Microscope magnification X500
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The radiocarbon dating (14C) is perfectly adapted to this material and allows to obtain the date of the tree felling.
