Comparative Anatomy of Branches, Roots and Wood of Some North American Dicotyledonous and Coniferous Trees and Woody Shrubs Used in Ethnographic Artifacts : Identification and Conservation Concerns
This book deals with the comparative anatomy of the tissues of the bark, phloem, heartwood, sapwood, and pith in wood, branches, and roots of woody shrubs, hardwood trees and softwood coniferous trees, that were reported to have been used historically in making ethnographic and archaeological artifacts. The species researched in this book are endemic to Northwest Coast of North America. These species have generic anatomical characteristics that are also common in other genera of the same family. Thus, the information is applicable to tree genera in similar latitudinal environments in Canada, USA, Europe and Asia. The goal of the information is to assist; curators with their research and conservators with their care of artifacts made of these plant parts. Identification of a species is usually a curator’s job and is used to determine provenience. Conservators may obtain the species/genus identification by research or provenience. Relevant morphological, anatomical, and chemical features of plant parts are needed to interpret the physical changes and their influence on the stability of the artifact. Understanding the structure and inherent strengths or weaknesses of the plant part assist conservators in logical care for a specific object. These are presented throughout the text were possible. Also, throughout the text a few examples of the materials from artifacts are presented for comparison. The terminology used in the text is explained as it goes along and there is a glossary for further explanations. The terminology is easy because all plants have the same anatomical types of tissues, but the anatomical patterns of the cells are variable with species. A bibliography is supplied for further information on specific topics. Reviewed by Dr. Nancy Odegaard, Head of Preservation, Arizona State Museum and Professor, Univ. of Arizona School of Anthropology and Conservation; Dr. Robert Blanchette, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Univ. of Minnesota. The preparation of this book was made possible through a Samuel H. Kress Conservation Publication Fellowship, administered by the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation., Washington DC. For which the author is most grateful.AlumniUnreviewedOthe
