5 - Working with Archaeological Wood

Summary

This chapter outlines the main steps in the process of archaeological wood analysis for taxonomic assessment. Preparation of specimens and sampling for anatomical characterization, followed by microscopy and anatomical data collection, then the identification process leading to a taxonomic assignment. Difficulties and problems unique to working with wood in fragmentary, degraded, and/or distorted conditions are examined, including how to deal with these and a variety of related issues. Several new frontiers in wood identification and analysis such as automated systems, DNA methods, high-resolution microscopy, and more are also described. The overall aim is to provide readers and students of the subject with an improved understanding of the potential along with the limitations involved in assigning woods taxonomically, both modern and ancient. A thorough comprehension of wood anatomy and its relationship to biological systematics and taxonomy is essential, necessary both to accuracy of assignment and to valid reporting. This in turn ensures that archaeological results are suitable for incorporation into broader archaeological and paleoecological frameworks, thus made more accessible and widely relevant across historical and scientific disciplines.