Osteoarchaeology - for osteological analysis of human remains in archaeology

All Ossafreelance osteologists are fully qualified and have proven extensive experience in the field. We provide an informed and reliable service, working alongside clients at each stage in the process from project planning to excavation and post-excavation phases of archaeological projects to ensure they run smoothly, efficiently and professionally in accordance with MoRPHE (English Heritage, 2006).

Ossafreelance encourages consultation prior to and during excavation of human remains. This allows the maximum amount of information to be retrieved in the most efficient way and facilitates an integrated approach, allowing us to work flexibly to meet the individual needs of our clients. It also ensures that any Health and Safety or ethical issues concerning the removal of remains are dealt with professionally.

Inhumated Remains

Cremated Remains

Adults

Juveniles

Neonates

Commingled Material

Mass Burials

Ossafreelance is committed to standards set by the Institute of Field Archaeologists and those recommended by the Centre for Archaeology Guidelines in association with English Heritage. We produce clearly written assessment and analytical reports conforming to current professional guidelines.

PRE-EXCAVATION PROJECT PLANNING

Ossafreelance regularly offers consultancy on the following:

Application for the relevant exhumation licenses
Advice on the potential for human remains analysis
Handling articulated and disarticulated human bone
Excavation and sampling strategies
Best practice on site for the treatment and handling of human remains
Current legislation and guidance
Suitable solutions for privacy and removal of human remains off-site
Client confidentiality and media interest
Outreach and community projects

EXCAVATION MANAGEMENT

We continue to provide support during the excavation of human remains on site, including:

On-site advice and rapid response strategic intervention in the case of unexpected discoveries
Liaising with archaeology units for watching briefs
Excavation and lifting of human remains
Advice on suitable packing materials, labelling and recording.
Block lifting of cremations and interments where appropriate
Liaison with on-site staff for associated finds managment
Staff training requirements
On call service

POST-EXCAVATION ASSESSMENT

Rapid assessment of exhumated human remains
Digital recording on database
Digital imaging
Inventory providing details of completeness and preservation of total sample excavated
Assessment of potential of full osteological analysis
Knowledge of local regional research frameworks
Advice on historical and archaeological context
Advice on potential educational and research projects at university level
Advice on suitable publication output
Numbers and costings provided accordingly with client flexibility for involvement in basic and advanced projects

POST-EXCAVATION ANALYSIS

Full analysis including the provision of full skeletal inventory per individual
Assessment of age, sex, stature, non-metric traits, dental and skeletal pathology
Digital recording on database and with digital images
Digital radiography
Collation of data for the whole assemblage
Context provision including burial practices, living conditions, disease prevalence
Liaison with university archaeology departments and archaeology units
Devising and implementing sampling strategies for lab analyses such as stable isotope and radiocarbon dating
Dissemination of reports to the relevant organisations, conferences and journals
Publication
Liaison with curatorial and museum staff for exhibitions, display and storage

See some of our past projects and reports for examples of how archaeological excavations of human remains work and how we can present the information we record to the public:

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