PRI employs a multi method approach to helping you reconstruct activities at your site. We routinely employ pollen, phytolith, protein, and sediment analysis to reconstruct the environment and activities. We can also perform non-destructive analysis using modern techniques such as XRF and FTIR.
We regularly work with a wide variety of clients and projects. After decades of work in the field, we understand that the data alone cannot tell the (pre)history - it needs context. We aim to provide not just numbers, but reports that enable you to integrate the data into a bigger picture.
AMS Radiocarbon
We specialize in chemical pre-treatment of AMS radiocarbon samples, developing innovative solutions to dating difficult samples. When dating bone we routinely use XAD resin
Charcoal and Wood
Identify the taxa present in your site using our expertise to better understand the local environment, people’s choices, and to select the best annual or charcoal for radiocarbon dating
Climate Modelling
Computer macrophysical climate modeling relies on principles of climatology to reconstruct the position of “centers of action” in the past to create a model for “your” location. This model may be compared to pollen records or other proxies
Chemostratigraphy
Identify geochemical changes in strata by providing us either cores or seperate samples
Composition
Using multiple techniques, we can characterize the composition of artifacts such as ceramics, lithics, and metals
Data Mapping
Identify the spread of elements like phosphorous across your site
Fiber
Determine the taxa and type of fiber in your artifacts
FTIR
Identify organics using this modern, potentially non-destructive method
Macroflora
Identify the taxa of plants found in your site
Parasite
Parasite eggs are retained in sediments, especially privies and occasionally floors. They provide another dimension for interpreting nutrition and health
Phytoliths
Silica casts of plant cells and calcium oxalate crystals may identify plant taxa and contribute to ecosystem reconstruction and dietary reconstruction
Pollen
Palynology helps reconstruct the ecosystem of your site in time and space
Protein
Preserved proteins on lithic artifacts are identified
Residue
Identify how artifacts were used, providing residue has been preserved on them
Starch
Microscopic starches recovered from teeth, ceramics, groundstone, and sediment samples identify preparation and/or consumption of plants
Teeth
Calculus contains microscopic remains that, when analyzed, inform about diet and habits
XRD
X-ray Diffraction identifies the crystaline minerals present in artifacts and ecofacts
XRF
X-ray fluorescence can be used to identify elements and composition
Contextual Results
With all of our services, we provide the context needed to interpret the results with client-based reports and background informatio