AINW FACILITIES

The office and laboratory facilities at AINW are located in southeast Portland, providing us a central location for any project in the Pacific Northwest. Designed to facilitate a team approach, our facility occupies approximately 9,000 square feet of space.

AINW has a large research library with extensive holdings in the fields of Pacific Northwest archaeology, history, ethnography, and related disciplines (geology, biology, osteology, and botany). Our library collections include literature on lithic technology and lithic analysis, as well as site forms and map files (USGS and historical maps).

The Residue Analysis Laboratory. at AINW uses crossover electrophoresis (CIEP) for blood residue   identification on stone artifacts. This technique, which was well established in forensic medicine before being adapted to archaeology, provides accurate information with a turnaround time of approximately 30 days.

In addition to Residue Analysis, the AINW laboratory facilities are set up to routinely process bulk samples collected during fieldwork as well as perform other laboratory tasks such as washing, cataloging, labeling, and storing of archaeological collections. We offer standard and specialized analysis of stone tools and debitage including: raw materials, manufacturing techniques, use-wear analysis, rejuvenation, and disposal patterns.

Our Graphics Department is equipped with a variety of resources that allow us to produce a wide range of graphic images. We create accurate hand and computer generated maps, stratigraphic profiles, artifact drawings, and other report graphics. We also produce digital images of artifacts and photographs. AINW assists with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) projects and converts geographically referenced data between a number of common formats (including ARC-INFO).

AINW also offers artifact replication and classes in lithic technology analysis and flintknapping. Our staff teaches workshops in stone tool technologies that emphasize experimental (replicative) approaches to analysis and interpretation of archaeological collections. Workshops on flaked stone and ground stone technologies are available, as well as advanced or specialized classes on particular technologies, materials, or analytical studies. Workshops are arranged to meet the needs and schedules of individual groups (e.g., agencies, CRM firms, universities).

 

Last modified: January 23, 2009

For more information, please email us: ainw@ainw.com