Our base analysis services include the identification of bone specimens to most specific taxonomic level possible, element, side and portion of element present; signs of human or animal modification (butchering, thermal alteration, gnawing, etc...); degree of weathering; base age and sex ratios of species present based on epiphyseal union, dental eruption, and  morphological characteristics; and reporting of all findings with a discussion of species distribution, subsistence strategies, environmental indications, seasonality, and when relevant discussion and interpretation of butchering methods, burning of the bone, and weathering or bone breakage.  Hourly cost rates are constant, but for ease of budgetting an average cost per bone rate is also presented.  Be aware that these costs are based on typical assemblages and the times involved in identifying an assemblage with heavy reliance on deer and bison-sized fauna with some supplementary of rabbit, turtle, and rodent sized individuals.  Assemblages with a high degree of micro-fauna, for example, would take longer and costs/bone would be greater than those quoted below. Assemblages with a higher degree of fragmentation and reliance on only large fauna would take less time and costs/bone would be less than those quoted below.  For guidance, always feel free to contact us at info@faunalanalysis.com.


Base Cost: $30/hour

Cost/Bone Rate: $1.00/bone at 2 minutes per bone average (30 bones/hour)


For Contracts on assemblages of less than 2000 bones, an additional minimum of 20 work hours will be added to the cost/bone analysis for reporting as that time is not as easily incorporated to the cost estimate on small assemblages.

All contracts will be billed at actual hours worked unless a set amount is negotiated prior to analysis with FaunalAnalysis.com. Additional analysis including bone weights, comparisons of material with other regional archaeological sites, and specific research design questions can be addressed and will be billed at actual hours.  Contracts with large assemblages which for research purposes will require the need to sub-contract to specialists may incur an additional $45/hour fee for Project Management.