Osteological Analysis

Osteoarchaeology is the specialized study of human and animal skeletal remains discovered in archaeological contexts. The careful analysis of both buried and cremated human bones offers invaluable insights into past societies, shedding light on aspects such as diet, health, social status, occupation, and more. Beyond these direct physical markers, osteoarchaeology also reveals critical information about cultural practices, including mortuary customs, religious beliefs, environmental interactions, and economic conditions of ancient communities.

Osteological analysis involves a range of methods to determine the demographic profile of human remains. This includes evaluating biological sex, age at death, and non-metric traits, which refer to skeletal variations that are not linked to specific measurable characteristics. Additionally, osteoarchaeologists can identify pathological conditions in the remains, such as signs of disease, injuries, or genetic abnormalities, all of which provide a deeper understanding of the individual’s life experiences and the health conditions of the society at large.

Bones are also excellent materials for various scientific analyses, including radiocarbon dating, ancient DNA analysis, and stable isotope studies. These techniques offer further insights into genetic relationships, revealing familial connections, and providing crucial information on the places where individuals were born, lived, and died. Stable isotopes, for example, can reveal patterns of migration and dietary habits, offering a window into the geographic and environmental conditions of ancient peoples.

Throughout both fieldwork and subsequent analysis, we adhere strictly to the ethical, legal, and professional guidelines set forth by organizations such as English Heritage, the Church of England, and the British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology (BABAO). These guidelines ensure that our approach to the study of human remains is conducted with the utmost respect and integrity.

Our osteoarchaeological services include:

Field-based excavation and recording of human remains and cremation deposits, ensuring careful and accurate retrieval.
Comprehensive assessment and analysis of human skeletal remains and cremation deposits to identify key biological and cultural data.
Production of detailed osteological reports on human remain assemblages, documenting the findings and providing interpretations that contribute to our understanding of past populations and their way of life.

By combining rigorous scientific methods with a deep respect for human history, osteoarchaeology allows us to reconstruct the lives of those who lived long ago, offering a tangible connection to our shared heritage.