Wood in Archaeology

It considers research involving archaeological wood in all forms, ranging from fuelwood to ships' timbers, from sites around the globe.

Lee A. Newsom (Author)

9781107052062, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 January 2022

300 pages
26.3 x 18.6 x 2.5 cm, 0.85 kg

In this book, Lee A. Newsom offers an overview of wood in archaeology --how and where it is preserved and analyzed, its relevance to paleoecological and paleoenvironmental questions, as well as its role as an important source of information in modern archaeological science and related historical disciplines. Her book addresses a range of questions about wood reliance practices, sustainability, and the overall relevance of forest ecosystems to past cultures and cultural evolution. Newsom provides a step-by-step treatment of archaeological analysis with clear explanations and examples from various corners of the world. She also shows how the study of archaeological wood is relevant to modern restoration ecology and conservation biology that tracks long-term ancient ecosystems, including questions of global change. Demonstrating the vital role of wood and timber resources to past human societies, her book will interest scholars and students of archaeology, historical ecology, paleoecology, and wood science.

1. Introduction
2. Archaeological wood
3. Woody plants
4. Wood anatomy basics
5. Working with archaeological good: wood anatomy and identification process
6. Working with archaeological wood: primary data, analysis, and interpretation.

Subject Areas: Archaeological science, methodology & techniques [HDW], Environmental archaeology [HDP], Archaeological theory [HDA]