About Us
York Osteoarchaeology Ltd is one of the few independent osteological contractors in the country which has experience of both archaeology and human skeletal remains while providing a professional, ethical, efficient and financially competitive service to our clients.
We are committed to providing a first-rate service in all matters involving human remains, from pre-contract planning to the final curation of the skeleton following the completion of the project. Our expertise includes consultancy, skeletal excavation, processing of human remains, analysis, reporting and all formats of publication.
We are an experienced provider of a comprehensive range of osteological services that combines cost-effectiveness with academic proficiency and use a flexible approach that meets our clients' needs.
We are available for work in Britain and abroad.
Membership
Membership of professional bodies guarantees up-to-date information, provides a forum for publicising results of osteological analysis and ensures an understanding of changes in archaeological practice and legislation.
- British Association of Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology
- American Association of Physical Anthropologists
- Council of British Archaeology
- Paleopathology Association
- Institute of Field Archaeologists (MIFA)
- York Bones Forum
Assurances
As a business, we maintain all statutory insurances, and work in accordance with the guidelines of the Institute for Archaeologists, the Council of British Archaeology and English Heritage.
References and Network
York Osteoarchaeology has an extensive up-to-date reference collection, which includes:
- Journals
- Books
- Research publications
- Excavation reports
- Photographic material
- E-journals
This provides the vital background for site-specific research in the fields of funerary archaeology, osteology, palaeopathology and medical history.
The York Osteoarchaeology network includes a wide range of consultants in the fields of:
- Planning
- Archaeology
- Palaeopathology
- Bone chemistry
- Forensic anthropology
- Zooarchaeology
- Soil science
- Coffin furniture
This enables us to offer comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach.
Association with the archaeology departments of the University of Durham and York University as well as contacts with a wide range of laboratories permit the provision of advice and arrangement of a comprehensive range of services. These include:
- Histological analysis
- DNA analysis
- Stable-isotope analysis
- Radio-carbon dating
York Osteoarchaeology provides undergraduate and postgraduate lectures in Bioarchaeology for the Department of Archaeology at the University of York (http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/staff/Holst.htm). As a departmental research associate, Malin Holst continually collaborates with other researchers in bioarchaeology. Anwen Caffell is affiliated with the Department of Archaeology Durham University as an honorary research fellow.
