ANTHRACOLOGY
Anthracology (wood-charcoal analysis) is a specialised field within archaeobotany that focuses on studying archaeological wood charcoal macrobotanics to extract palaeoenvironmental and ethnobotanical data. Charcoal preserves particularly well in acidic and dry environments, making it one of the most abundant recoveries in Australian archaeological sites, especially in the arid and semi-arid zones that dominate the continent.​ Valuable insights are gained through the examination of archaeological charcoals, including the potential for reconstructing local palaeoenvironments whilst providing insights into past changes in Past Occupants' mobility, settlement strategies, and economic resource procurement. Importantly, it sheds light on the enduring relationship between people and vegetation over time and space.
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Services include:
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Wood identification (i.e., wooden artefacts);
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Wood charcoal identification for species analyses;
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Support for c14 dating (speciation to ensure a more accurate dating range for historical sites);
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Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction;
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Insights into site use and resource procurement strategies.
ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY
Ethno/archaeobotanical surveys document plant species and their distribution concerning Country and specific sites. This process involves collecting specimen vouchers and creating a tangible collection for the Community. These samples assist in documenting species within the survey area which may be used as educational tools and datasets. These surveys offer valuable insights into the historical relationships between people and plants through time, enhancing and complementing traditional archaeological and archaeobotanical analyses.
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Services include:
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Ethnobotanical survey for compliance works;
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Recording Traditional Ecological Knowledge;
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Analysis of species in relation to specific sites and areas;
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Vouchering specimens for tangible reference collections (including assistance with licencing protocols);
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Training Traditional Owners and Rangers in taking voucher specimens to support caring for Country.
ON-SITE SUPPORT & TRAINING
The techniques and methods employed during excavation, recovery and sampling greatly impact the preservation and data recovered from an assemblage. Old Tree Consulting specialists can assist with on-site recovery methods, and pre-site planning to best support specialist applications such as archaeobotany and zooarchaeology. The team can also provide training to heritage teams, corporations and Ranger groups in supporting best-practise methodologies for future specialist analyses.
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Services include:
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Specialist recovery techniques (i.e., flotation);
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Training Traditional Owners and Rangers in taking voucher specimens to support caring for Country;
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Pre-excavation consultation for discussion relating to best practises and methods for specialised analyses;
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On-site support during excavation.