Cite this as: Haponava, V., Fibiger. L., Butler, I.B. and Pickard, C. 2025 Towards Responsible Destructive Analysis: A guide to the recording of archaeological tooth samples with laboratory process visualisation, Internet Archaeology 69. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.69.4
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.
Corresponding author: Vera Haponava
harti@protonmail.com
University of Edinburgh
Linda Fibiger
University of Edinburgh
Ian B. Butler
University of Edinburgh
Catriona Pickard
University of Edinburgh
Figure 1: Diagram of the sample preparation process, including the steps for preserving a record of the sample and unused tissue (highlighted in bold), and collagen and carbonate processing.
Presentation: The laboratory process for stable isotope analysis of dentine, including steps for sample preservation, and collagen and carbonate stable isotope analyses.
Video: A video showing the steps described in the Presentation: sample preservation, and collagen and carbonate stable isotope analyses. The video was recorded using Debut (NCH Software) and Prezi for Desktop applications.
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