Field ZooMS : expanding access to archaeological bone fragment identification using a minimally-invasive method

The accurate identification of archaeological bone fragments is crucial for understanding past human and animal interactions, yet traditional visual methods are limited and prone to errors for highly fragmented remains. While Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) has revolutionized bone identification through collagen protein fingerprinting, its destructive nature and the need for specialized laboratory facilities have restricted its application largely to academic contexts. This thesis addresses these challenges by first surveying professional archaeologists from the British Columbia Association of Professional Archaeologists (BCAPA) to assess their interest in ZooMS technology. Next, it evaluates the minimally-invasive polishing film ZooMS method (pfZooMS) in collaboration with the Musqueam Archaeology Office at two archaeological sites. Finally, it engages three Cultural Resource Management (CRM) companies in a ‘proof of concept’ study for remote self-collection of collagen rubbings from bone fragments for analysis and taxonomic identification. The survey garnered a 42% response rate from BCAPA members, with responses indicating overall positive interest in ZooMS. Comparisons of destructive ZooMS and pfZooMS at xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) archaeological sites revealed areas for methodological improvement, particularly for minimally-invasive approaches. Experimentation with increased rubbing methodology demonstrated promising results, including the successful confirmation of visually identified human/Ancestor remains. The CRM companies’ participation showed strong engagement, and their pfZooMS sample success exceeded expectations due to adherence to enhanced collection techniques. These findings underscore the potential of pfZooMS to bridge the gap between academic and non-academic archaeology, providing a practical, accessible, and culturally sensitive tool for bone identification that respects both scientific and cultural values.