Dr Edouard Masson-MacLean

Biography

Edouard is a zooarchaeologist and field archaeologist specialising in northern environments, particularly Scotland and Alaska, with research focusing on pre-contact Arctic societies, human–animal relationships, and the early medieval and post-medieval periods in Scotland.

He has been involved in fieldwork in Scotland, Alaska, Greenland, Canada, and France, across both commercial and research contexts, informing an interest in excavation and survey methodologies, particularly recording practices and the integration of digital recording systems on site, as well as a commitment to field-based training and the development of students’ practical skills.

Methodological interests include the use of 3D recording techniques, such as laser scanning and photogrammetry, in both zooarchaeological and wider fieldwork contexts, alongside engagement with complementary approaches including geometric morphometrics, and collaborative work with biomolecular specialists in isotopes, ancient DNA, and ZooMS. There is also a broader interest in animal ecology and species distribution modelling and their application to archaeological questions.

Research Overview

My main research interests are in human-animal relationships and zooarchaeology (the study of animal bone from archaeological sites) including Medieval husbandry practises in Scotland and NW Europe and precontact subsistence strategies in the Western Arctic and SW Alaska more specifically. I also have a strong interest in the application of digital technologies to archaeological practice.

Collaborations

Laboratoire Chrono-environnement, Université de Franche-Comté. 

Teaching Responsibilities

AY1003 Archaeology in Action

AY5001 Northern Worlds

AY2505 Archaeology of the North

AY3514 Professional Archaeology 2