Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Prof., Wood and Forest Products Science Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant professor Wood and Paper Science Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands , Iran
3 Head of the Earth Sciences Museum, Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration of Iran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Wood, as one of the most fundamental, renewable and biological materials, has played an important role in the development and advancement of human civilization. Accurate identification of archaeological wood can reveal patterns of natural resource exploitation and adaptive strategies of past populations to their surrounding environments. It also provides direct evidence for reconstructing past vegetation cover, timber trade networks, and the extent of human impact on ecosystems. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was the scientific identification of archaeological wood specimens recovered from excavations in the Mansur-abad region, Yazd Province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Six archaeological wood samples (three wooden scaffolding, two wooden basket, and one wooden shoe) obtained from the Geological Museum of the Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration were examined. Small samples were carefully removed from each specimen in accordance with museum regulations to minimize damage. For anatomical analysis, samples were softened in a solution of 98% ethanol, water, and glycerin. Thin sections (15 µm thick) were prepared in transverse, radial, and tangential sections using a sliding microtome. Sections were stained with 1% safranin solution, mounted on slides, and examined under a light microscope. Fiber maceration was carried out using Franklin’s method to measure cellular dimensions. Anatomical features were analyzed according to the feature list provided by the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA).
Results: All samples exhibited distinct growth ring boundaries. The basket sample, derived from a one-year-old branch with a single growth ring, contained less secondary xylem, and vessels were mostly solitary and occasionally radially arranged. In the wooden shoe sample, vessels showed a diagonal arrangement and were predominantly grouped in tangential and cluster patterns, especially in latewood. In the scaffolding samples, more than 90% of vessels were exclusively solitary. All specimens displayed simple perforation plates and alternate inter-vessel pits with diameters predominantly ranging from 4–7 µm. Helical thickenings, particularly in narrow vessels, and the presence of vascular tracheids were observed in all samples. Axial parenchyma was diffuse in the basket and scaffolding samples, and paratracheal in the shoe sample. Rays were generally wide and multi-seriate; they were homogeneous with procumbent cells in the scaffolding samples and heterogeneous in the others. Fiber maceration indicated longer vessel elements in the basket sample and shorter ones in the scaffolding and shoe samples. Evidence of biological degradation was observed in the cell walls of all specimens.
Conclusion: Based on anatomical and morphological characteristics, the basket sample was identified as Amygdalus sp., the wooden shoe as Celtis sp., and the scaffolding samples as Elaeagnus angustifolia. Wild almond (Amygdalus scoparia) has a long, straight, and highly flexible shoots, making it one of the suitable species for basketry. In addition, the wood of Celtis has been appropriate for the manufacture of wooden footwear, and Elaeagnus angustifolia was a suitable choice for wooden mine scaffolding in the past time, due to its favorable physical and mechanical properties. Considering the distribution of these trees and shrubs in Yazd Province, whether cultivated or naturally occurring, their use in architectural structures and handicrafts reflects the detailed knowledge and efficient utilization of locally available woody resources by past communities.
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