Obsidian Studies
Pacific Legacy has decades of experience in obsidian studies and is widely recognized as leaders in the application of obsidian studies to archaeological problems.
Principle Investigator Dr. Thomas Jackson is a pioneer in using obsidian geochemical analysis to understand prehistoric exchange and interaction networks. His dissertation research revealed patterns of prehistoric social control over obsidian procurement, production, and distribution in California’s North Coast Range.
Principal Investigator Robert Jackson has conducted dozens of obsidian hydration studies since the 1970s and published numerous articles. He has developed a number of innovative approaches to using hydration data to assess site formation processes and develop regional land use patterns. He founded the International Association for Obsidian Studies and helped establish five regional hydration laboratories.
Pacific Legacy has analyzed tens of thousands of obsidian artifacts from the western United States. Our advanced in-house obsidian hydration laboratory provides significant time and cost benefits over sending samples to outside vendors. Our lab is outfitted with an Olympus digital imaging and measurement system assisting in rapid and accurate measurement. Video capture and database capabilities allow us to graphically capture each measurement if required.
