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The Archaeological Residue Analysis (ARA) Project is a multi-disciplinary project that is examining archaeological residues and how they are analysed.
An increasing list of animal and plant residues such as blood, pollen, phytoliths, raphides, starch grains, fats, tissues, feathers, scales, fibres, hair and other biomarkers are increasingly identified on archaeological artefacts such as ceramics and lithic tools.
Research will emphasise the development of methodology for the reliable and thorough analysis of archaeological residues.
Figure 3. Organic 'Scum' Adhering to the Surface of a Pottery Sherd. The 'Scum' is Possibly the Remanents of Plant Material that was Cooked in the Vessel.
In addition, research will also focus on the application of a number of techniques for the identification and interpretation of residues from archaeological artifact collections. These techniques will include histological, immunological, molecular, chemical, and biochemical testing as well as a variety of different forms of microscopy used in characterising the residue and identifying its constituents.
The goal of the ARA Project is ultimately to provide data for anthropologists and archaeologists to enhance the understanding and inferences of social and cultural behaviours based on artefact use as interpreted from associated residues.
Figure 2. Hair Fibres and Blood Residue Adhering to the Surface of a Lithic Tool.
The ARA Project is headed by Dr. Carney Matheson of the Department of Anthropology, Lakehead University and includes research personnel from Canada, USA, Israel, and Australia.
The ARA Project is funded through a grant provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) - Major Collaborative Research Initiatives Program (MCRI).
