Archaeometry最新文献

We present portable X-ray fluorescence data on the composition of body, glaze and enamels of several Meissen porcelain objects associated with the Hoym–Lemaire Affair (1728–1731). In 1728, the French merchant Rodolphe Lemaire convinced the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory into making copies of Japanese Kakiemon porcelain for sale as originals in Paris, a dubious enterprise that depended on the development of additional pigments closely emulating the Kakiemon palette. We shall illustrate how the color formulations for these objects, designed to imitate Japanese porcelain, differ from those on earlier porcelain from 1723–24, as well as later (mid-18th century) objects. In all cases, the colorant chemistry can be related to special recipes introduced by Johann Gregorius Höroldt specifically for this purpose and preserved in the Meissen archives. A surprising observation is the absence of antimony or tin in the yellow colorant. As an ancillary finding, we have confirmed analytically for the first time that unmarked, undecorated Meissen porcelain in storage since prior to 1725 was decorated around 1730 and became part of the Hoym–Lemaire shipment.

Although evaluating developmental stress is challenging, it is critical to understanding phenotypic adaptation and differentials in morbidity and mortality related to spatiotemporal variation in environmental and cultural factors. This paper presents a new, reproducible, and reliable geometric morphometric (GM) protocol through which stress-induced deviations to symmetry, known as fluctuating asymmetry (FA), can be robustly quantified. A case study, in which maternally mediated early-life stress in human skeletal remains is explored through first permanent molar (M1) FA, illustrates the method's effectiveness and wide-ranging potential to revolutionise the investigation of themes such as stress intensity, developmental processes, and buffering mechanisms in past populations.

The obsidian dating method converts the quantity of diffused molecular water within a near-surface hydration layer to elapsed time using an experimentally derived diffusion coefficient predicted from the structural water content of the glass. Infrared spectroscopic transmission measurements on transparent archaeological samples record vibrational responses of water bands in the near-infrared region, permitting determination of structural water content (OH), and the amount of diffused ambient water (H₂O). In this application, the H₂O water band at 5200 cm⁻¹ is measured directly. The accuracy of the approach is assessed by an evaluation of the precision of each contributing variable. The new protocol is evaluated using obsidian artifacts from radiocarbon-dated deposits at Salamanca Cave in Argentina.

The present work describes the chemistry and mineralogy of soils such as Terra Preta Arqueológica (TPA) or Terra Preta de Índio (TPI) from the Bitoca I and II sites, located in the Salobo Region (Carajás Mineral Province, Pará-Brazil). The results revealed chemical and mineralogical characteristics that are similar to other TPAs found throughout the Amazon region, such as relatively high levels of Ca (average of 3600 ppm), P (average of 850 ppm), Mn (average of 730 ppm), Zn (average of 55 ppm), and Cu (average of 63 ppm). In soils related to the characteristics of occupation by huts and campfires, the mineralogical composition is represented by quartz, kaolinite, calcite, muscovite, anatase, hematite, goethite, and gibbsite. Amorphous phases have also been identified mainly as calcium phosphates and organic matter (humic and fulvic acids). The analysis of the features/structures described here helped in the identification/verification of areas destined for different activities within the sites.

We report observations of wear traces and microbotanical analysis of 29 ceramics, one pot of Cucurbita sp., and one wooden spoon—all artifacts of the AZ-6 and AZ-71 cemeteries of the Cabuza cultural phase (900–1200 ce), Azapa Valley, northern Chile—. The results show some unused artifacts (11) besides 21 samples that were positive for starches of Zea mays, Cucurbita sp., Manihot esculenta, Ipomoea batatas, or Phaseolus sp., in addition to vegetable remains (13 cases). This evidence is interpreted as an expression of funerary rites in post-state times, which could be an inheritance of the Andean Tiwanaku State (ca. 500–1000 ce).

This study describes the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of pottery collected from Mugharat al-Kahf and WTN02 in Wadi Tanuf, north-central Oman, to clarify interregional similarities and differences in pottery production techniques and examine the existence of interregional trade in pottery with respect to changes in mobile communities. Potsherds from these sites were characterised using thin-section petrography and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Results revealed that several clay fabrics and tempers were used during the Wadi Suq period (2000–1600 BCE). A region-wide similarity exists in pottery-making techniques in terms of the tempering of specific minerals (Oman ophiolite) used in the Early Iron Age (1300–300 BCE). Geochemical results indicate differences in clay sources between the Wadi Suq period and the Early Iron Age in Wadi Tanuf and the unlikelihood of the interregional trade of domestic pottery.

This case study examines the use of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as an effective method for defining distinct chemical compositions of local basalt stone from different sources in the Roman period, even when their quarries have not been identified. It also deals with the archaeological question if public and monumental structures from a village and urban site shared the same stone sources and stonemason's workshops. Ninety-six samples from the Hippos Territorium, mainly from the polis of Hippos and the village of Majduliyya, were analyzed. XRF was found to be an effective method for defining distinct chemical compositions of local basalt materials from different sources. The distinct composition of the basalt stones between the two sites provided valuable insights into socio-economic relationships, shedding light on the nature of city–village dynamics in the region. Additionally, it aids in discerning whether diverse basalt sources were utilized in both private and public constructions, as well as installations within a single site. Methodological questions and the application of this method in the archaeological research of basalt-based architecture are also addressed.

Micro-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) screening of 244 glass sherds from Ribe, Denmark, identified 23 wood ash glasses. The closely dated finds pinpoint the arrival of the earliest wood ash glass produced in Western Europe in this important North Sea trading hub. This glass type was absent among glass from 700 to 790 CE but feature strongly from 790 to 810 CE. Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis of 24 glasses show the presence of four types. We show the strengths of classifying wood ash glass based on the glass-producing sands and conclude that the earliest production took place on a considerable scale and had a major impact on glass circulation in Northern Europe in the ninth century.

The rise of porcelain industry in northern China and the subsequent emergence of white porcelain production during the Northern dynasties (386–581 CE) played a pivotal role in shaping the historical trajectory of Chinese ceramics. Xing kiln is one of China's earliest and most representative white porcelain kilns. Herein, we investigated 23 porcelain sherds from the Neiqiu Xing kiln site during the late Northern dynasties and the early Sui dynasty (550–600 CE) from the perspective of firing temperature, firing atmosphere, and microstructure using a dilatometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the early Xing porcelains were fired at high firing temperatures exceeding 1200°C with a reducing flame, and the adjustment of temperature promotes the emergence of early white porcelain. Moreover, the higher firing temperature of early Xing porcelain leads to the dominance of a glassy phase within the glaze, and the high bonding strength of the glaze and body caused by the body–glaze interaction layer formed with dense anorthite crystals. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the firing technology in the Xing kiln and even in North China during the late sixth century.