Two major sources for samples are: i) ongoing archaeological excavations or ii) from collections. For each project a rigid sampling strategy must be put in place.
- Sampling Protocols and Workflow
- Step-by-step procedures for collecting different sample types (bone, ceramic, soil, etc.)
- Responsible personnel and their roles in the sampling process
- Sampling context: in-field vs. in-lab preparation
- Sterility and contamination prevention measures
- Handling of control samples and blanks (where applicable)
Bone samples: Based on the research question decide which site and pots to sample (responsibility: archaeologist) -> Collect the samples from the collections / archaeological excavations (responsibility: archaeologist) -> In the lab, clean the work surface with acetone or dichloromethane and place a clean sheet of tinfoil (lab technician) -> Use a clean drill bit/saw to drill into the bone fragments/powder -> Collect the drilled bone powder/pieces and place it in a clean container -> Label the container with relevant information (for details see ORA lipid residue extraction) -> fill in the sampling report/protocol (archaeologist/lab tech and collection holder).
Pottery samples: Based on the research question decide which site and pots to sample (responsibility: archaeologist) -> Collect the samples from the collections / archaeological excavations (responsibility: archaeologist) -> In the lab, clean the work surface with acetone or dichloromethane and place a clean sheet of tinfoil (lab technician) -> Use a clean drill bit to drill into the ceramic matrix -> Collect the drilled ceramic matrix and place it in a clean container -> Label the container with relevant information (for details see and ) -> fill in the sampling report/protocol (archaeologist/lab tech and collection holder).
- Name of the site (in its original language)
- Sample ID and associated collection numbers
- Mass and physical dimensions of a sample
- Material description and classification
- Exact location (grid coordinates, layer, feature, context)
- Chronological period of the object/context
- Sampler name and institutional affiliation
- Method used for sampling (e.g., surface scraping, core drilling)
- Condition assessment (preservation state, visible damage, prior treatments)
- Photographic documentation (before and after sampling)
- Use of standardised forms or checklists – fill in the Sampling Protocol
- File naming conventions and linkage to metadata records
- Version control and backup strategies for documentation files
- Sampling Protocol Form and Submission
- Description of the standardised form for logging sample metadata
- Required and optional fields
- Submission pathways (digital upload, paper archive, SharePoint entry)
- Review and approval workflows for submitted forms
- The sampling Protocol will be signed by all parties involved and submitted to the collection holder
- Applied Analytical Method(s)
- Indication of which methods are planned (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, aDNA, FTIR)
- Linking method selection to research design and sample suitability
- Responsible lab, researcher (and project)
- Reference to associated lab protocols and instrument parameters
- Sample Quality and Usability Assessment
- Criteria for evaluating sample integrity and suitability for analysis
- Visual and microscopic assessment protocols
- Pre-screening steps for destructive methods
- Documentation of rejected samples and reasons for exclusion
- Tracking remaining material post-analysis (residual storage, disposal)
- Chain of Custody and Sample Tracking
- Labelling and physical tagging of samples, see 3.5
- Logging sample movements across labs or institutions
- Storage conditions and container specifications
- Digital tracking tools and database entries (e.g., ARHUT sample protocol)
References
Sampling protocol of the Archaeological Research Collections of the Tallinn University.