Human osteology
Working to recognised standards, we have recorded and reported on some of the largest skeletal assemblages in the British Isles. The sex, age at death and health of individuals and populations, gives us insight into the environment in which past people lived.
Contact us for:
- advice on the ethical and legal requirements of cemetery and crypt excavation
- assessment, recording, analysis and interpretation of inhumed and cremated remains from any period or region
- particular expertise in large, urban cemetery assemblages
- assistance with excavation and sampling strategies
- advice on scientific and chemical analyses, cleaning, handling and storage of human remains
- high quality monographs
- documentary research including historic wills, parish registers
Our post-excavation assessments rapidly evaluate the potential of the remains, producing detailed and accurate costs for further work.
Recording to the MOL database allows direct comparison with the extensive collections curated by the Centre for Human Bioarchaeology. MOLA has in-house plain radiographic facilities and can provide computed radiography through collaboration with City University.
The team are widely published in conference proceedings and peer review journals, including the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.
Faunal remains
Faunal remains can provide evidence of diet, butchery practices, animal husbandry and trade, refuse disposal, craft and industry. This work assists in the reconstruction and interpretation of past environments and economies. Our zooarchaeologists work closely with our Human Environment Team, analysing invertebrate remains, particularly foraminiferans, molluscs and crustaceans.
Contact us for:
- assessment, recording, analysis and interpretation of archaeological and modern animal bones
- special expertise in fish, birds, and mammals
- identification and interpretation of tool marks in bone
- advice on sampling strategies
- wet sieving and flotation of bulk samples for the recovery of faunal remains, with an emphasis on complete recovery
- preparation of faunal catalogues and archives
More information
Our team can provide workshops, day schools and lectures for specialist and non-specialist audiences.
For further information contact Natasha Powers, BSc MSc MIFA RFP Head of Osteology on 020 7410 2200.
Read our environmental archaeology capability statement
See also forensic archaeology