Application of a Biotechnology Technique for Accurate Identification and Regional Localization of Mammalian Materials in Native American Cultural Heritage (2015-04)

A two-year project funded by NCPTT implemented the use of a modern bioanalytical technique (Peptide Mass Fingerprinting-PMF-described below) to identify collagen-based materials in objects at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and in collaboration with the Harvard Art Museums and the FAS Division of Science proposed a  proof-of-concept project to demonstrate

1. PMF could corroborate or replace current methods of materials’ identification by providing specific and accurate information about materials’ sources,
2. PMF could be learned quickly and used successfully by non-expert museum personnel,
3. the technique was sufficiently sensitive to ensure that sample size requirements were consistent with museum sampling practices, and
4. large numbers of objects could be studied in a short period of time. All these goals were met.