Workshop on Organic Residue Analysis for Archaeologists at the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR) Annual Conference. The conference will be in Baltimore, MD November 20-23, 2013. The deadline for abstract submission is February 15th.

Over the past two years we have organized paper sessions on organic residue analysis in Near Eastern Archaeology, which evolved from our own work and collaboration in residue analysis and which have been well attended. During the course of these sessions, the audience raised a number of questions in regards to the range of techniques available, the steps involved in the process, and best practices in sampling and avoiding contamination.

Our experience in dealing with these issues in our own work has led us to organizing a session which will be more interactive and will encourage participation and discussion among archaeologists and scientists. Over the 2 hour and 5 minute workshop, we envision two components, the first of which will involve a brief information session covering methodological practices and issues and will conclude with the demonstration of a case study that covers the whole analytical process, from sample collection to interpretation. The second component will be a panel discussion, in which we hope that each panelist will present a unique viewpoint in residue analysis.

We invite individuals with expertise and background in this area of research to participate in a panel discussion with the hope that you may also be interested in presenting during the workshop. If you are interested in participating in the session, please let us know so that we can provide you with more information before the deadline.

Laura Mazow
(East Carolina University)
mazowl@ecu.edu

Susanne Grieve
(East Carolina University)
greives@ecu.edu

Zuzana Chovanec
(State University of New York at Albany)
zuzana.chovanec@gmail.com