Archaeology and Organic Residue Analysis: Formulations, Considerations, and Interpretations in Researching Psychoactive Substances
Author(s): Zuzana Chovanec
Year: 2023
Summary
This is an abstract from the "SAA 2023: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 88th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.
Over that last 30 years, organic residue analysis has transitioned from the occasional experimental project to a key component of scientific archaeological investigations. Methodologies have advanced, frequencies of studies have increased, and the range of investigated substances and characterized biochemicals expanded. Still, in some circles, the great potential of ORA seems to have lost some of its promise where the scientific methodology has been emphasized over archaeological interpretation and anthropological framing. This is particularly problematic in the investigation of psychoactive and other prestigious substances where the pseudoarchaeology narrative reigns. This paper presents key considerations and guidelines in framing such investigations drawing on research on tobacco, opium, and perfumes.
Cite this Record
Archaeology and Organic Residue Analysis: Formulations, Considerations, and Interpretations in Researching Psychoactive Substances. Zuzana Chovanec. Presented at The 88th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology. 2023 ( tDAR id: 475068)
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Keywords
General
Archaeometry & Materials Analysis: Residue Analysis
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Bronze Age
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Communities of Practice
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method and practice
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Psychoactive substances
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Residue Analysis
Geographic Keywords
Mediterranean
Spatial Coverage
min long: -10.151; min lat: 29.459 ; max long: 42.847; max lat: 47.99 ;
Record Identifiers
Abstract Id(s): 37490.0