WOOD IDENTIFICATION
This section shows examples of wood identification carried out on various objects to identify the species of wood used in their construction. The identification was done based on microscopic features of the samples. In most cases the aim of the analysis was to find out more information about the materials used in the manufacture of the object in guestion but in the case of waterlogged archaeological wood, the identification of the species had a direct effect on the conservation treatment.
Transverse section of a softwood with a resin canal
A transverse section of a sample of waterlogged wood. The species was identified as Alder.
A radial section of the sample of same waterlogged wood, Alder.
Close-up of a vessel with a perforation plate, found in some hardwoods.
Transverse section of a sample of birch showing the presence of a growth ring
A radial section of a sample of birch showing homocellular rays and a vessel with a scalariform perforation plate
Radial section of a sample identified as Scotch Pine showing simple cross-field pitting
Transverse section of the same sample of Scotch Pine showing a clear distinction between early and late wood