Urine on the Shelves

Odious Materials in Archaeological Collections

Bibliographic Data

ID13085141
AuthorsMark Warner (0000-0002-7494-6275, University of Idaho, corresponding author), Ray von Wandruszka (University of Idaho)
Year2023
Volume11
Issue4
Pages413-420
Publication date2023-10-19
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAdvances in Archaeological Practice (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2326-3768 • E-ISSN: 2326-3768
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/aap.2023.24
OpenAlexW4387776241
LanguageEN
References cited13

For 15 years, the University of Idaho has conducted chemical testing of excavated materials from historical sites throughout North America. The most common artifacts tested are sealed containers. Some come from current excavations, but most are from repository shelves. The immediate purpose of the archaeochemistry work is twofold: to identify the contents of the containers for researchers and to provide training for students in analytical chemistry. After testing more than 500 items, project personnel have recognized some unexpected outcomes that have implications for institutions housing the artifacts. Specifically, tested materials identified the small, yet consistent, presence of certain artifacts that can have health implications for personnel working with the items. The article concludes with general guidance on identifying and assessing those risks

Archaeology · Excavation · Forensic engineering · Work (physics · Engineering · Environmental Justice and Health Disparities · Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis · History

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