Palaeoethnobotanical Analysis
Palaeoethnobotany, also called archaeobotany, is the study of past human-plant interactions and relationships. It involves the analysis of ancient plant remains such as seeds, charcoal, buds, and the like, to determine the kinds of plant use activities that Indigenous 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.
We provide palaeoethnobotanical analysis of plant macroremains (seeds, nuts, needles, wood charcoal etc) from a variety of different regions and contexts and scales. Please reach out with your queries as to how this kind of analysis can support your archaeological analyses and interpretations. We work closely with many Indigenous communities, in addition to other clients, to discover ancient plant use practices and traditions.
> Recommendations for Palaeoethnobotanical Research Design & Sampling