Palaeoethnobotanical and Ethnobotanical Study and Analysis

Palaeoethnobotany is the study of past human-plant interactions and relationships. It involves the analysis of plant macroremains from the archaeological record such as seeds, charcoal, buds, leaves, stems, and the like, to determine the kinds of plant use activities that ancient people were practicing. These activities include growing, processing, cooking, and storing foods; manufacturing different technologies (such as snares, nets, baskets); building and carving; producing medicines; burning of landscapes, etc. Samples are collected from archaeological features, particularly those where burning might have occurred, or where charred plants might be re-deposited, such as hearths, earth ovens, middens, floors, storage and sleeping areas, and outdoor activity areas.

Ethnobotany is the study of the interactions between plants and living populations. This work involves documenting plant use knowledge in contemporary Indigenous communities. This knowledge is often used for curriculum development, training, and other educational initiatives in these communities.

PDF: Recommendations for palaeoethnobotanical field sampling and conduct (to be posted)