A correlation analysis of Light Microscopy and X-ray MicroCT imaging methods applied to archaeological plant remains’ morphological attributes visualization

This work applies the X-ray MicroCT imaging technique to discuss the identification and preservation/dis-turbance conditions of plant remains from the Monte Castelo archaeological site, in Brazil's southwestern Amazonia. A preliminary hypothesis based on external morphological traits and the presence of typical starch grains, associates these materials to the Poaceae caryopsis. Moreover, based on their well-preserved non-charred aspect, mineralization was considered as a possible in-situ preservation process. Data from the X-ray computed microtomography (MicroCT) analysis showed that the internal anatomy of the samples corresponds to another type of fruit, described as a small drupe sharing characters with some Anacardiaceae fruits. Additionally, all studied specimens contain a number of exogenous organic and inorganic elements suggesting the action of some disturbance processes on the Monte Castelo plant material.

Minerals, 2022

Studies in Conservation, 2013

ABSTRACT This work investigates the use of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for identification of New Zealand plant leaf material from artefacts. Micro-CT was explored as a result of difficulties in preparing transverse sections from aged plant material artefacts to compare with reference slides for microscopic identification of plant species. Plant names in te reo Ma ̄ori (Ma ̄ori language) are followed by the English name and botanic name, and are subsequently referred to by Ma ̄ ori names. The three plants investigated (harakeke, New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax, J. R. Forst & G. Forst; t ̄ı ko ̄uka, cabbage tree, Cordyline australis, (Forst.f.) Endl,; kiekie, Frecinetia banksii A.Cunn.) were/are commonly used by Ma ̄ori for the manufacture of objects often found in cultural institutions. Contemporary and historical specimens (from artefacts) of plant leaf material were investigated. Contemporary specimens were viewed using micro-CT and showed identifiable features compared with micrographs of transverse sections from reference material. Diagnostic features of each plant species were then named and measured, providing the basis for development of an identification key using both visual and objective criteria. Positive identification of historical specimens using this key varied across plant species and according to level of ageing and processing. Despite this, micro-CT had several advantages over traditional transverse sections: samples were not prepared for, or altered by, analysis, and numerous cross sections across the entire sample could be easily viewed to locate identifiable characteristics. Although measurable criteria supplied apply only to the three named New Zealand plant species, this paper provides methods that could be applied to the identification of other aged plant leaf material. Knowledge of plant anatomy at the level of major cell and tissue types (e.g. mesophyll, sclerenchyma, vascular tissue, and epidermis) is sufficient for the level of analysis carried out in this study. Keywords: Micro-computed tomography, Historical plant material, Plant identification, New Zealand plant leaf material, Ma ̄ ori artefacts

2014

Heading] In New Zealand the identification of materials of construction of Māori textiles has important cultural and legal connotations. However the identification of aged and processed plant material in artefacts is difficult, compounded by the need for use of nondestructive analytical methods. This paper will discuss the application, efficacy and implications of a new method that uses micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) together with an identification key as evaluative criteria for the identification of plant material in artefacts. Case studies using Māori textiles will show how plant identification using microCT can aid in ascribing cultural context to artefacts with unknown provenance, and aid in rediscovery of cultural knowledge about plant use for artefact production.

Scientific Reports

In the Neolithic pile-dwelling settlements of southwestern Germany, bark played a prominent role in the production of technical textiles. So far, the inner bark (phloem) of the lime tree (genus Tilia) could be detected most frequently. Microscopic examination of anatomical features can determine the taxon, requiring manipulation of samples and archaeological objects. In this study, micro-computed tomography (µCT) was reviewed as a method for determining the woody taxon and obtaining additional information from the inner bark. To this end, modern bark samples from different tree organs of lime were first analysed using both µCT and transmitted light microscopy. Both methods were able to detect all characteristic anatomical features in the phloem and identify the genus. With analysis based on µCT data, further anatomical information can be obtained. For example, the shape of the phloem rays in the bast strips can provide information on the position within the bark and on the original ...

BMGN - Low Countries Historical Review, 1988

Post Medieval Archaeology Congress 2024

Beauty care has been long cared for in many cultures around the world. Evidence of beautification activities that already occur in cultures such as can be seen in murals of women and men with facial makeup. However, archaeological evidence is often not as clear as these written and iconographic sources. From modern times in Warsaw come artifacts that are delivered about caring for beauty and hygiene - both of these issues have the same connection. The well-known topics related to the discussed issue include all kinds of cream and ointment containers made of glass and ceramics, combs, toothbrushes, etc.