Faunal Solutions offer analysis and technical write-up. We are happy to structure a personalised package to suit the client’s budget and timeframe. Methods of analysis are conducted using standard Otago Archaeology Laboratories (O.A.L.) protocols (Walter et. al. 1996, Reitz and Wing 1999).*

Faunal Solutions offers a ‘standard analysis’ package with the option of further services depending on what is required. 

A standard analysis would usually include:

• Identification of faunal elements to the lowest taxonomic level
• Basic quantification

The archaeologist would receive:

• Data inserted into an excel spreadsheet, including Number of Identified Specimens
• A basic report which details the methods used in sorting, identification and quantification, and a basic description of the results.

Optional services:

• Sampling (of large assemblages)
• Cleaning (washing and drying)
• Sorting of material to the lowest taxonomic levels and bagged separately with a unique bag number system.
• Secondary quantification: Minimum Number of Elements (MNE), Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI), weights,
• Age/sex ratios,
• Taphonomic studies and butchery assessment
• Photography
• Research design and sampling strategies
• A comprehensive report
• Field consultation
• Public presentations
• Long term storage solutions
• The return of the assemblage

* Reitz, E.J. and Wing, E.S., 1999. Zooarchaeology. Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology.

Walter, R., Weisler, M. and I.W.G. Smith, 1996. The Pacific fishbone reference collection at the University of Otago. Archaeology in New Zealand 39: 200-212