Archaeobotanical Analysis — St. Albert, Alberta
Macrobotanical laboratory services for archaeology
PaleoSeed Laboratory & Consulting provides professional macrobotanical analysis of archaeological plant remains for First Nations and Archaeological Service Providers across Canada.
What We Offer
01 — Processing
Water flotation processing to extract macrobotanical remains from sediment samples. Light and heavy fraction recovery with full documentation. Dry sieving available for sandy soils.
$200 CAD / sample
02 — Analysis
Identification of cultivated and domesticated seeds providing insight into human diet, plant husbandry, crop preferences, and trade networks. Cultivar seeds are commonly the most dominant seeds recovered. Examples include corn, barley, rice, or millet, depending on the context.
$150 CAD / sample
03 — Analysis
Identification of "wild" plant seeds. These are seeds which generally occur at such low rates that their inclusion in the archaeological record is considered to represent either "wild" foraging rather than cultivating or merely deposition from the local environment through happenstance. However, it is the opinion at PSL that this information is equally as important as cultivars. In particular, wild seed analysis is useful for environmental and vegetation community reconstruction.
$150 CAD / sample
04 — Comprehensive
Complete analysis combining cultivar seed and wild seed identification. The most holistic investigation of past human-plant relationships. Recommended for most projects.
$250 CAD / sample
05 — Reporting
Basic and interpretive report formats. All reports delivered as PDF. Both Basic and Interpretive reports include raw data, density, and photographs. Interpretive reports add case study comparisons and analysis.
From $1,000 CAD / project
06 — Consulting
Can provide consulting services on a case by case basis such as how to incorporate paleoethnobotanical methodologies into your project, how to conduct your own floatation, or other consulting needs as requested.
Contact for pricing
About
PaleoSeed Laboratory & Consulting provides professional macrobotanical analysis services to indigenous groups, professional archaeologists, universities, and research institutions across Canada.
Seeds and other botanicals recovered from archaeological contexts are important lines of evidence in the scientific study of past human activities and environmental relations. Paleoethnobotany (archaeobotany) can illuminate past diet, plant husbandry, land use, seasonal mobility, and environmental change.
Tyler Cantwell, MSc [Principal Specialist] first started working in macrobotanical recovery in 2013 as part of the Baikal-Hokkaido Archaeology Project where he formed his foundational knowledge on floatation and processing. His sample analysis and interpretation skills were developed under the supervision of Dr. Gary Crawford. When Tyler isn't looking at seeds under the microscope, he is usually looking at them in the garden.
Based in St. Albert, Alberta, PaleoSeed combines rigorous scientific methodology with fast turnaround times and is particularly suited to the demands of rescue archaeology.
Stereo zoom microscopy with digital imaging and measurement
Focus stacking photography for publication-quality specimen images
Comprehensive modern comparative reference collection
Flexible reporting options
Quick Tips for collecting Soil Samples
Soil Samples taken from around features like hearths, pits, and "living floors" are usually successful in the recovery of macrobotanical remains but sampling should be taken systematically across sites to rule out sample bias and create a more holistic interpretation of the site.
Keep each soil sample to a maximum of 15L.
Allow soil samples to dry and keep them away from heat and sunlight. If this is followed, soil samples can be stored for long periods. Failure to follow this often results in mold.
How It Works
Submit Request
Complete the online service request form. Receive a Scope of Work and cost estimate within 3–5 business days.
Agreement & Invoice
Review and approve the SOW. 60% of the invoice is due upon contract signing.
Ship Samples
Package and ship soil samples or pre-floated samples to our St. Albert laboratory.
Analysis
Samples are processed and examined under stereo microscopy. All identifications documented with measurements and photography.
Report Delivery
Report delivered as PDF. Remaining 40% invoice issued on delivery. Samples returned unless otherwise requested.
Transparent Pricing
Student Discount
Currently enrolled students receive 10% off all services. Please mention your enrolment when submitting your request.
Get In Touch
Submit a service request and we will be in contact within 3–5 business days to discuss your project and provide a detailed cost estimate. Estimates are honoured for three months.