Nancy Odegaard

Deep sequencing of RNA from ancient maize kernels.

The characterization of biomolecules from ancient samples can shed otherwise unobtainable insights into the past. Despite the fundamental role of transcriptomal change in evolution, the potential of ancient RNA remains unexploited – perhaps due to dogma associated with the fragility of RNA. We hypothesize that seeds offer a plausible refuge for long-term RNA survival, due to the fundamental role of RNA during seed germination. Using RNA-Seq on cDNA synthesized from nucleic acid extracts, we validate this hypothesis through demonstration of partial transcriptomal recovery from two sources of ancient maize kernels. The results suggest that ancient seed transcriptomics may offer a powerful new tool with which to study plant domestication.

Artists' Intent: Material Culture Studies and Conservation

Abstract The practice of ethnographic and archaeological conservation in the United States is in the midst of change. Some of the factors influencing these changes are discussed, and the expansion of the traditional conservation methodology, which is founded on a materials-based perspective, is suggested. Also explored are topics such as the inclusion of indigenous ideas and the context of an object in its culture or through its collection; the objects museum life; and its changes due to display, loan, photography, and treatment. All this is discussed within the context of an exhibit called Paths of Life, organized by the Arizona State Museum in 1987.

Human remains and the conservator's role

Abstract Little has been written about the roles of conservators in regard to the preservation of human remains. This article examines the new challenges that face conservators as we become more involved with human remains under the new laws and approaches that protect indigenous community rights. The authors explore three areas critical to this debate, namely conservation expertise, training and outreach. Three scenarios for the conservators role are presented. The authors suggest conservators should aim for the third role, that of ‘contributing colleague’, especially in the multidisciplinary and highly sensitive area involving the study of human remains. Also presented is a case study involving teamwork with the Kennewick Man remains. Though the discussion is limited to applications of preservation issues to human remains, the concepts have wider applications in the conservation field in general.

THE USE OF POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE (PTFE) FILM FOR STORAGE SUPPORTS

AbstractWide-format rolls of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, best known as plumbers or Teflon tape, are being developed for use as a final covering on storage supports for objects with particularly fragile or vulnerable surfaces. The films smooth and pliable characteristics are well suited to protecting fragile surfaces from abrasion and similar mechanical damage. Included in the paper are descriptions of how the film was used for rehousing projects at the Arizona State Museum.

Woven Wonders and Saving Basketry at the Arizona State Museum

Advances in conservation employed at the Arizona State Museum have expanded the research options for over 35,000 ethnographic and archaeological perishable objects since 2012. The Woven Wonders basketry conservation project has provided increased access to the collection, instituted new conservation treatment technique, initiated new research topics, provided advanced educational opportunities, instigated new forms of collaborative conservation, and reduced material loss from items in the collection. The Woven Wonders project was funded with a Save Americas Treasure grant, two Institute of Museum and Library Services grants, one Preservation Training Grant, two Kress Foundation grants, and numerous private donations. The project has resulted in a state-of-the-art visible storage vault with an adjacent interpretive gallery that is home to the Woven Through Time: American Treasures of Native Basketry and Fiber Art.

Testing for Gums, Starches, and Mucilages in Artifacts with O-toluidine

The o-toluidine test for complex carbohydrates was first developed for the identification of gums, mucilages, and starches using small samples from artifacts. This test as described for the analysis of museum collections was revised by systematically testing reference materials. This paper reports on the color reactions obtained on treating reference materials with the o-toluidine reagent to better understand the resultant color reactions of various gums, mucilages, and starches. The green color reaction commonly reported in the literature was found to be only partially accurate. This test will yield a green color for polysaccharides that yield only aldohexoses upon hydrolysis, such as starches and certain mucilages. Gum exudates and mucilages that are polysaccharides of both aldohexoses and aldopentoses yield a brown color reaction. Also discussed are the classification, sources, and uses of various plant polysaccharides and where this microchemical test was useful in understanding the collections at the Arizona State Museum.

Conservation and stabilization of materials

This article provides an overview of the processes of conservation within the various stages of archaeology. The process of conservation include: examination and analysis, stabilization design and proposal, treatment application and interpretation, and data and documentation.

A Fusion of Archaeology and Conservation: Painted Clay-Covered Basketry from the American Southwest

Abstract Conservators and archaeologists share an interest in technology. For the archaeologist, technology may be viewed as prehistoric problem solving. For example, technology enables constructions for shelters, food gathering, and keeping warm. For the conservator, technology illustrates artistry or craftsmanship during the manipulation of materials. Both the archaeologist and the conservator are aware, no doubt, that technological style reflects social choice. This article illustrates how the study methods of the conservator can extract and preserve, as well as clarify, the particular technologies presented in very fragmentary material remains and address some of the comparative and interpretive issues associated with prehistoric societies.