Anthracology

Essential expertise for identifying and characterizing charcoal, anthracology allows the origin of charcoal to be determined (woody taxa, level of vitrification, heartwood/sapwood, large trunk, branch or twig, dry or wet wood, size of growth rings for example). The study of charcoal in archaeology is very useful in reconstructing the history of a place and the uses of its occupants. Analyses are carried out in batches or individually within the laboratory .

Cross-sectional view of an Ebiara charcoal (Berlinia spp.) found during drilling in Ivory Coast. The curvature is slight; the wood was of large diameter.

Cross-section of a Chestnut charcoal (Castanea spp .) with slight curvature. This is the sapwood of a large piece of wood that was damp during combustion (presence of shrinkage cracks).

Trace of a cutting tool observed on a plum charcoal (Prunus spp.).

Cross-sectional plane of the sapwood of an Oak (Quercus spp.) with strong curvature.

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