Behind the Scenes:Anthropology:Fieldwork-Lab

Laboratory Studies

Studying the Discoveries
In the lab, archaeologists take a closer look at their finds. Archaeologists who specialize in a certain types of objects or in a particular time period study the different kinds of artifacts. These experts include lithic specialists, ceramic specialists, archaeozoologists, and archaeobotanists.

By studying the remains, the archaeologists can begin to explain what humans were doing at the site:

what they ate
what kinds of plants and animals they used
what types of containers and other tools they made and used
how they decorated-objects
who they interacted with

This work can take many years to complete-gathering and studying information is a slow and careful process. But when all of their findings are put together, like the parts of a puzzle, an image of the past begins to appear.

Archaeologists will never be able to find every piece of that puzzle, but with their help, we can find out more about the lives of people who lived before us.

Storing the Finds Safely
Once they have finished studying the artifacts and remains, the archaeologists carefully place them in boxes and cabinets and store them in the Museum's storerooms. These rooms are fitted with special cabinets and environmental controls that regulate temperature and humidity to help protect and preserve the objects.

Records describing each item and its location are made to help the archaeologists keep track of the collections.