2025/07/01 by Vera Haponava, Linda Fibiger, Ian B. Butler +1 · 2 voices
Arts and Humanities · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Archaeology and ancient environmental studies #Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies #Forensic and Genetic Research
paper · pdf · doi:10.11141/ia.69.4
openalex publication_date 2025/07/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
With increasing use of destructive analysis in archaeology, a tension has arisen between the need to preserve osteological collections for future generations and to use them now for the public benefit of knowledge generation. Existing guidelines mostly address curatorial issues, or focus on pre-sampling steps, rather than presenting protocols that can assist researchers in being more responsible regarding invasive analysis and the preservation of osteological collections. This article therefore presents guidelines for the recording of archaeological tooth samples prior to destructive analysis in the form of a process diagram accompanied by written instructions. The aim is twofold: to promote good practice in preserving a record of a sample before its destructive analysis, and to provide accessible material that can be used in lectures or training to assist students in visualising common laboratory processes in the field of bioarchaeology, as well as for public outreach and knowledge exchange. The diagram is enriched with laboratory videos for each step, and should help demystify the laboratory process for general audiences.