Thinking Inside the Box: The Use of Micro CT for Archaeological Analysis

Summary

Modern science is helping to solve mysteries from 400 year old contexts at Jamestown. Micro Computed Tomography allows conservators and archaeologists to analyze artifacts in 3D without disturbing the integrity of the object. A high tech investigation was performed on a silver box, recovered from atop a coffin, which revealed the objects held within. Another artifact, metallic fringe, was discovered inside an anthropomorphic coffin. This object had been placed on the individual’s upper torso, between the left humerus and ribs. Too fragile to disarticulate, the artifact was removed in block and examined in the lab. These unique finds started us on a 20 month journey utilizing multiple micro CT equipment  and were instrumental for the identification of two of the chancel burials.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reinterpreting Jamestown through Archaeology, History, Science, and Technology   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2017

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 730