Your State Bureau of Investigation ,forensic science division are often
pleased to assist with enquiries like yours.
Regards
Len Hambleton - Chief Conservator
North Carolina Museum of History
5 East Edenton Street
Raleigh NC. 27601-1011
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919-715-0200 x244
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Opinions expressed in this message may not represent the policy of my
agency

> -----Original Message-----
> From: James Martin [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, February 26, 1998 9:59 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      burial artifact or contact artifact
>
> Here's a material question for the group.
>
> I've been asked to determine if there is physical or chemical evidence
> that a set of wood, stone, and plant and animal fiber objects were at
> one
> time buried in soil.  The complicating factor is the these objects are
> utilitarian in nature and would have come into contact with soil in
> daily use.
>
> I am trying to establish criteria for determining artifacts of
> long-term
> burial that are separate and apart from artifacts of daily soil
> contact
> through use.
>
> Presently, I'm thinking along the lines of surface alteration,
> chemical
> alteration, mineral deposition, etc.  The materials, again, are wood,
> stone, and animal/plant fibers.
>
> Has anyone undertaken a similar study in their institution?  If so,
> please
> contact me.
>
> TIA.
>
> James Martin
> Williamstown Art Conservation Center
> 225 South Street
> Williamstown, MA  01267