Handbook for the Analysis of Micro-Particles in Archaeological Samples

Amanda G. Henry

ISBN 10: 3030426246 / ISBN 13: 9783030426248

Published by Springer International Publishing, Springer Nature Switzerland, 2021

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - This handbook provides a resource for those already familiar with some kinds of micro-particles who wish to learn more about others, or for those just starting out in the study of microremains who wish to have a broad understanding about microscopic archaeology. Topics covered in this handbook include diatom microfossils, starch granules, pollen grains, phytoliths, natural fibers, volcanic glass, minerals, insect remains, and feathers.Archaeological investigations increasingly rely on specialist identification of microscopic remnants found in sites. These micro-particles can provide information about the site environment and human activities that may not be apparent from artifacts and materials preserved on the macro-scale, and have given us new, and often high-profile, information about our past. The investigation of this 'invisible archaeology' - that is, invisible to the naked eye - is still somewhat new, and generally each kind of micro-particle is studied individually. Researchers become experts in a narrow range of micro-particle types, but may be less familiar with, or even completely unaware of, the multitude of other forms that are frequently encountered in archaeological samples. This handbook's accessible approach is suitable for those at the beginner level.

Seller Inventory # 9783030426248

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Handbook for the Analysis of Micro-Particles in Archaeological Samples
• Publisher: Springer International Publishing, Springer Nature Switzerland
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3030426246
• ISBN 13: 9783030426248
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 235W x 155H x 18D millimeters 235 millimeters width by 155 millimeters height by 18 millimeters depth
• Weight: 482 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This handbook provides a resource for those already familiar with some kinds of micro-particles who wish to learn more about others, or for those just starting out in the study of microremains who wish to have a broad understanding about microscopic archaeology. Topics covered in this handbook include diatom microfossils, starch granules, pollen grains, phytoliths, natural fibers, volcanic glass, minerals, insect remains, and feathers.

Archaeological investigations increasingly rely on specialist identification of microscopic remnants found in sites. These micro-particles can provide information about the site environment and human activities that may not be apparent from artifacts and materials preserved on the macro-scale, and have given us new, and often high-profile, information about our past. The investigation of this "invisible archaeology" - that is, invisible to the naked eye - is still somewhat new, and generally each kind of micro-particle is studied individually. Researchers become experts in a narrow range of micro-particle types, but may be less familiar with, or even completely unaware of, the multitude of other forms that are frequently encountered in archaeological samples. This handbook’s accessible approach is suitable for those at the beginner level. 

About the Author

Dr. Amanda G. Henry received her PhD in Hominid Paleobiology from the George Washington University, with a project looking at the consumption of plants by Neanderthals and early modern humans. She is broadly interested in plant foods and diet in the past, including the use of plant microremains such as starch grains and phytoliths as archaeological markers. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University