Archaeology Support Services
Finds Processing
Our studio, based in New Plymouth, is equipped to quickly and efficiently process any number or type of find. The services we can offer include:
Block lifts or excavation of fragile or diagnostic objects
Specialist advice and treatment for wet or waterlogged materials
Digital photography
Inventorying
Technical analysis
Reporting
Material culture research
Temporary and long-term storage (controlled or uncontrolled environment)
Tikanga for taonga based on consultation
Box-making for bespoke or diagnostic items
Located outside of Taranaki? No problem! Finds can be shipped, delivered in person or picked up from the site. A guide for packaging up materials can be found here.
Why use us?
Because we have the supplies, equipment, people and space already in place! No more finds filling up your home office, kitchen table or trunk while they are waiting to be processed. Send us bags and we will return them in a neatly inventoried, documented and boxed up form. Need more convincing? We’d love to help and we can offer:
Ability to host you or your assistant to process the finds yourself. Table rentals and access to the facilities start at $15/day. Contact us for more information. Limited capacity. Based on first come, first serve so let us know if you are thinking this could be you!
Oversight of the processing by Cultural Materials Conservator, Susanne Rawson, who is a Full Member of NZCCM (peer-reviewed), Fellow of AIC (peer-reviewed) and Member of NZAA so you can be sure the finds are receiving the utmost care. All of our staff are members of NZCCM and abide by the Code of Ethics.
Our collective knowledge base which includes reference libraries and access to analytical facilities and partners. Susanne has over 17 years experience in inventorying, processing and documenting material culture of all types and she has a wide network of service providers. She also offers Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Elemental Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis.
Basic microscopy, testing and analysis available on site.
Professional conservator on site for any diagnostic or fragile materials.
Finds are kept in a clean, modern and safe environment.
Daily monitoring to ensure the finds are in stable condition.
Interior unloading for poor weather conditions or sensitive materials.
Taonga are stored seperate from noa areas abiding by any protocols discussed.
Convenient location in Westown, New Plymouth. Easy to fly in or have finds delivered.
How much does it cost?
Some people believe that by listing our prices, we are locking ourselves in or that we lose the chance to chat with you and sell ourselves. We believe that we are here to make things easier for our clients and offer them solutions, do great work and operate transparently. In addition to offering large quantity quotes, our rates are $45/hour (exclusive GST)* for the following services:
Objects cleaning:
Dry or damp objects can be provided cleaned or they can be delivered in the ‘as found’ state and we’ll take care of the rest including drying them for processing and storage
Photography:
Basic images of all sides or collection of samples with a scale for reporting purposes
Editing
Organising
Images provided over Google Drive access (no account or sign in needed)
Objects inventory:
Basic inventory creation:
Basic data collection for inventory purposes
Data provided over Google Drive access (no account or sign in needed)
Technical analysis inventory:
Includes basic inventory creation and a deeper technical analysis of the material
Data provided over Google Drive access (no account or sign in needed)
Storage or transportation packaging:
Varies; based on archival or non-archival materials and level of packaging needed (see the Archaeology Questionnaire below)
Generally, objects or collections are packaged by context with multiple bags in each box
We will reuse materials where possible unless otherwise requested
Collections requiring shipping will need additional padding, but hand collected or delivered materials will use the minimum necessary
Midden processing:
Washing, drying, identification, inventory
Short report detailing processes and results
*Please note these rates are for terrestrial archaeological materials from dry or damp environments. Those materials found in wet, waterlogged or swampy areas require specialist treatment. Please contact us if this is the case with your collection or assemblage.
We also offer the following services:
Storage (uncontrolled environment):
Temporary or long-term with daily monitoring
For artefact inventorying or treatment charges start 2 weeks after the client receives notification of the final inventory and the collection is ready to be returned
Calculated on a cubic meter rate. To give you an idea of costs, one archival file box (38cm x 30cm x 25cm) is $0.80/day including weekends. A full 2m wide x 1.8m tall x 0.6m deep shelving unit would cost approximately $52.50/day. A specialised quote can be provided. Storage is based on limited availability; however, retainer space can be made available to ensure storage will be available at any time.
Storage (controlled environment): Price provided upon inquiry. We have a 3m long x3m wide x 2m high space available on a reserve basis with temperature and humidity controls.
Conservation advice: No cost for one hour consultation on collection or object.
Conservation treatment: Varies according to object, can provide quotes.
Microscopy and analysis: Varies depending on research question.
Custom box making (archival or non-archival; not including supplies): $45/hour
Custom shipping enclosures (crate quality, archival or non-archival; not including supplies): $70/hour
Ready to go?
Fill out our online Archaeology Questionnaire, reach out through our contact page or email us and we’ll touch base about the next step!