Lab Description

The archaeology laboratory at DRI's Southern Nevada Science Center is equipped to conduct a wide variety of studies that focus on material culture of Great Basin. Current capabilities include morphological and technological analyses of stone tools and ceramics, microscopic lithic use-wear studies (including photography), and computerized catalog generation. Laboratory equipment includes Nikon stereo-zoom and Optiphot polarizing microscopes, digital electronic balances, and ultrasonic cleaning machine.

 Above Right: Refitted stone waste flakes from the manufacture of stone tools are the most common artifacts found at many Mojave Desert archaeological sites. By refitting the flakes (as shown above), archaeologists can learn more about the original size of the core and how it was worked.