LCMA - Laboratory for Cultural Material Analysis
The mission of the LCMA is twofold. On one hand, it intends to be a space to train archaeologists in archaeological science applications. On the other, it intends to become a service centre to meet the needs of the archaeological community and the preservation needs of artefacts and cultural material in the country. Through education and research on archaeology and conservation, through assisting analysis of cultural materials essential for determining proper treatments and preventive conservation procedures the proposed laboratory can render an essential service to the archaeological and heritage community in their endeavours in preserving, interpreting, and studying the heritage of Sri Lanka. xxxxxxxxxx
Work with LCMA
This laboratory will be carrying out the following tasks and student training.
- Provide facilities to teach archaeological science and conservation science for the students and the professionals in the heritage field
- Helping archaeologists and conservators to solve their practical problems
- Helping to develop methods, techniques in conservation suitable for our conditions and materials.
- The undertaking of analysis of cultural materials for the institutions such as Museums, Archaeology Department, Central Cultural Fund, privet collectors etc.
- Laboratory workshops for archaeologists and conservators to educate the advantage of using scientific analytical methods in archaeological and conservation works and the necessity of the use of scientific methods in interpreting archaeological and conservation research.
- Analysis of historic metals and slag using metallographic procedures
- Petrographic analysis of pottery, historical objects made out of geological materials, plasters, glass, bones etc.
- Soil and soil morphological analysis
- Underground reconnaissance methods for detection of archaeological sites and their details without excavation
Research Conducting by LCMA
LCMA has conducted several research studies applying scientific methods in Sri Lankan archaeology. Those studies show that the relevant empirical data obtained of material culture from an archaeological context often contain social signifiers. One of the successes of LCMA is that its staff are also well experienced in the subject of archaeology.
Ibbankatuwa Auguring Project
Nikawalamulla burial excavation Project
Sri Lanka Buddhist Heritage Digital Recording Project
Sigiriya Mirror wall Conservation Project
Yapahuwa Surveying Project
LCMA Publications
2. Findings of Adulterations In Dummala Oil Used for The Conservation of Ola-leaf Manuscripts. Laboratory of Cultural Material Analysis Publication - Series 2, PGIAR Publication
3. Metallographic study of a few Iron implements from different archaeological contexts in Sri Lanka. Laboratory of Cultural Material Analysis Publication Series 3, PGIAR Publication
4. An Account of the recently discovered Rock Art site at Kurullangala in Ella, Sri Lanka Laboratory of Cultural Material Analysis Publication Series 4, PGIAR Publication
5. Red Pigments Used in Kandy Period Murals, Laboratory of Cultural Material Analysis Publication Series 5, PGIAR Publication
Contact us today and get your first
Laboratory of Cultural Material Analysis
Postgraduate Institute of Archeology
407, Bauddhaloka Mawatha
Colombo 7
Call us
011 699623
071 8885771
070 2721624