Prehistoric Procurement of Secondary Sources: The Case for Characterization

1992 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucianne Lavin ◽  
Donald R. Prothero
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Glacial Till ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Material Source ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Thin Section Analysis ◽  
Section Analysis

Lithic source identification is a new and exciting subfield of archaeology. Sourcing studies often concentrate on prehistoric quarry areas within primary, or in situ, bedrock outcrops. Other important but underrated resources are primary, non-quarry outcrops and secondary, redeposited materials such as glacial till and water-laid gravels. This article discusses the characterization of chert sources by petrographic, or thin section analysis, and assesses the technique's usefulness in identifying specific rock units as the raw material source for prehistoric artifacts. Data from source areas and from archaeological sites in the Delaware and lower Hudson drainages of New Jersey and New York are used to illustrate the need for analysis of non-quarry chert source localities.

scholarly journals Technology of Dvaravati Pottery: A View from Petrographic Analysis.

2012 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duangkamol Aussavamas
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Petrographic Analysis ◽  
Material Distribution ◽  
Material Source ◽  
Period Analysis ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Central Thailand

This study focuses on the examination of aspects of the carinated pottery of the Dvaravati period. This type of pottery is one of the most prominent types found in a large number of Dvaravati sites in Thailand. Samples used for this study were collected from excavations at archaeological sites located in several regions of Thailand including Northern, Northeastern and Central Thailand. The carinated potteries were analyzed using petrographic analysis. The objective of this work was to examine the pottery fabric. This method is used to establish sources of raw materials, and whether production techniques, decorations, and firing temperature show patterns associated with the raw material source distributions. It is also possible to reconstruct the production technology of the vessels. Knowing the source of raw materials (source of clay and temper) and understanding the patterns of manufacturing and decorative processes help better understand material distribution patterns of the Dvaravati period. Analysis shows that Dvaravati earthenware pottery raw materials include both primary and secondary clays, and that temper used was both organic matter (rice chaff) and grogs (fired clay mixed with iron oxide). Evidence for wheel-thrown production was associated with all decoration styles, and finishing techniques included plain, polishing, incising, cord marking, red slip and black burnishing. The firing temperatures were as low as 400-550° C. These samples indicate there was general homogeneity over a wide area, but also the presence of regional groups of pottery. This suggests the widespread circulation of pottery styles among various production centers during the Dvaravati period.

scholarly journals Chromatographic characterization of juice in fruits of different Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica L.) genotypes cultivated in Sweden

2020 ◽  
pp. 816
Author(s):  
María Pilar Hellín ◽  
María José Jordán ◽  
Kimmo Rumpunen ◽  
José María Ros
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Quinic Acid ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Material Source ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
Japanese Quince ◽  
Chromatographic Characterization ◽  
Components Analysis

The juice in fruits of 19 genotypes of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica), representing plant breeding material, was characterised using high performance liquid chromatography. The juice was extracted by halving and squeezing the fruit. Samples of Japanese quince juice were always analysed fresh. The main compounds found were sugars: glucose (131-1056 mg 100 ml-1), fructose (351-2515 mg 100 ml-1) and sorbitol (10-367 mg 100 ml-1); organic acids: malic acid (2.27-4.84 g 100 ml-1) and quinic acid (0.50-2.50 g 100 ml-1); amino acids: aspartic acid (0.8-10.7 mg 100 ml-1), asparagine (0.2-36.3 mg 100 ml-1) and glutamic acid (6.2-17.7 mg 100 ml-1); the cation potassium (145-214 mg 100 ml-1) and the anion fluoride (21-122 mg 100 ml-1). These results on composition suggest that Japanese quince may be an interesting raw material source of valuable substances and its juice an ingredient for the food industry. A principal components analysis separated the Japanese quince genotypes, thus indicating a clear difference in the chemical composition of the juice.

scholarly journals A petrochemical study of Mughal plasters of Quila-I-Ark, Aurangabad with respect to technology and repair

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-184
Author(s):  
Sneha Bakshi ◽  
Manager Rajdeo Singh
Keyword(s):  
Thin Section ◽  
Analytical Data ◽  
Water Channel ◽  
Mineralogical Composition ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Repair Mortar ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Thin Section Analysis ◽  
Section Analysis

This paper reports the mineralogical composition of western India's 16-17th century Mughal plasters of Quila-I-Ark, Aurangabad to prepare compatible repair mortar and document ancient Indian lime technology. Analytical studies were undertaken for aggregate grain size distribution, thin section analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and chemical composition of the plasters by x-ray fluorescence (XRF analysis). The analysis revealed the inclusion of large size basaltic aggregate grains mostly sourced from the water channel of nearby Harsullake. Some of the plaster works show prominent inclusion of small size grains pointing different periods of construction. Creamy white zeolites were found specifically added in the mortar mix to maintain a certain level of humidity during the dry season. The zeolite is highly porous and breaks easily both in dry and wet conditions. The calcite rich limestone with traces of magnesium was sourced as raw material for the plasters. Based on mineralogical composition and binder/aggregate ratio, three phases of historical constructions were documented. FTIR and thin section analysis showed the mixing of some proteinaceous adhesive juice in the lime for improvement in rheological and waterproof properties. The high quantity of large size aggregate grains ensured better carbonation of lime and the source of aggregates remained the same for all phases of historical constructions. The cementation index (C.I.) and hydraulicity index (H.I.) vary between 0.10 to 0.96 and 0.20 to 3.43, respectively showing the plaster is aerial lime with traces of magnesium. The plaster is feebly hydraulic as the hydraulic component calculated varies between 0.88 to 6.10 percent in different samples. A moderate strength plaster with a lime/silica ratio close to 0.33 was prepared for most phases of construction except a few isolated locations. The analytical data will now help to prepare compatible mortar with identical additives for a major repair.

scholarly journals Morphometric Analysis through 3D Modelling of Bronze Age Stone Moulds from Central Sardinia

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1192
Author(s):  
Stefano Cara ◽  
Paolo Valera ◽  
Carlo Matzuzzi
Keyword(s):  
3D Reconstruction ◽  
Bronze Age ◽  
Digital Camera ◽  
Stone Materials ◽  
Photogrammetric Method ◽  
Thin Section Analysis ◽  
Experimental Rig ◽  
Petrographic Thin Section ◽  
Section Analysis

Stone moulds were basic elements of metallurgy during the Bronze Age, and their analysis and characterization are very important to improve the knowledge on these artefacts useful for typological characterization. The stone moulds investigated in this study were found during an archaeological field survey in several Nuragic (Bronze Age) settlements in Central Sardinia. Recent studies have shown that photogrammetry can be effectively used for the 3D reconstruction of small and medium-sized archaeological finds, although there are still many challenges in producing high-quality digital replicas of ancient artefacts due to their surface complexity and consistency. In this paper, we propose a multidisciplinary approach using mineralogical (X-ray powder diffraction) and petrographic (thin section) analysis of stone materials, as well as an experimental photogrammetric method for 3D reconstruction from multi-view images performed with recent software based on the CMPMVS algorithm. The photogrammetric image dataset was carried out using an experimental rig equipped with a 26.2 Mpix full frame digital camera. We also assessed the accuracy of the reconstruction models in order to verify their precision and readability according to archaeological goals. This allowed us to provide an effective tool for more detailed study of the geometric-dimensional aspects of the moulds. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates the potentialities of an integrated minero-petrographic and photogrammetric approach for the characterization of small artefacts, providing an effective tool for more in-depth investigation of future typological comparisons and provenance studies.

scholarly journals Micropaleontology and biostratigraphy efficient tools in archaeological research. Raw material provenance in the upper Palaeolithic Kasthtsa cave, loannina region (Greece)

2007 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1874 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Zambetakis-Lekkas ◽  
P. Elefanti
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Upper Palaeolithic ◽  
North West ◽  
Mobility Strategies ◽  
Thin Section Analysis ◽  
Material Provenance ◽  
Section Analysis

The present paper discusses the contribution of Micropaleontology and Biostratigraphy to the archaeological research using as a case study the Upper Palaeolithic cave of Kastritsa in the Ioannina basin, north-west Greece. Thin section analysis applied to a selected number of stone tools from the site suggested that raw materials employed in their manufacture could originate from the Ioannina basin or even from outcrops in the proximity of the cave. This suggest that once Palaeolithic groups arrived at the cave, they practised low mobility which in turn suggests that a range of subsistence opportunities were available in the area allowing to its inhabitants extensive stays. This hypothesis is well supported by the archaeological record of the site. Micropaleontology and Biostratigraphy can be a useful method in the investigation of raw material provenance, especially when sedimentary rocks are studied, and it can provide significant insights into huntergatherer mobility strategies.

scholarly journals New data concerning “large blades” in Catalonia: Apt-Forcalquier chert in the Penedès (south of Barcelona) during the Late Neolithic - Chalcolithic

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Mangado Llach ◽  
Jean Vaquer ◽  
Juan Francisco Gibaja Bao ◽  
F. Xavier Oms Arias ◽  
Artur Cebrià Escuer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Late Neolithic ◽  
Domestic Sphere ◽  
The North ◽  
Lithic Assemblages ◽  
Use Wear ◽  
North Eastern

The study of large chert blades documented in funerary contexts from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in the north-eastern part of Iberia has been addressed in recent works by the authors, in which 49 burial sites have been registered with more than 200 large chert blades. In this paper the recent data obtained from the study of seven archaeological sites located in the region of the Penedès (southwest of Barcelona) is presented.The macroscopic characterization of the knapped stone industries shows their great variety regarding the origin of the siliceous raw material, often coming from outside the analysed region. In some cases their macroscopic features link them to Apt-Forcalquier chert (Haut Provence, France), which was widely distributed in the form of large blades during these phases of Late Catalan prehistory.The absence of evidence of the chaîne opératoire production of this type of foreign chert in the lithic assemblages in Catalonia lead to the supposition that the dispersion of the blades was done as trade items, and only in a few cases were highly complex technological tools of this kind of raw material distributed (e.g., daggers). Use-wear analysis reveals that these blades were not merely luxury items in grave goods. Far from this idea, they have to be considered as functional, even multifunctional, items. All the same, it is thought that they must have had an important value because they moved from the domestic sphere to the graves. In fact, the pieces that usually remain are not small fragments, but whole or almost whole, large blades that normally remain effective. 

scholarly journals ARTIFACTS OF THE LATE BROZE AGE FROM MOKHNACH П SETTLEMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-175
Author(s):  
A. V. Korokhina ◽  
V. V. Koloda
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Thin Section ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Surface Finishing ◽  
Matrix Group ◽  
Late Bronze Age ◽  
Settlement Site ◽  
Thin Section Analysis ◽  
Section Analysis

The article aims to introduce new finds of the Late Bronze Age from Mokhnach П settlement site at the Sіverskyi Donets river. Two archaeological object (pits 27 and 40) can be dated back to the Late Bronze Age. Finds are presented mostly by pottery sherds (31 units) discovered mostly in the excavation pit 1. The research program of the pottery assemblage includes account of its planographic distribution, distribution due to the type of sherds, analysis of shape, ornamentation, size, surface finishing, plastic raw material and paste recipes of vessels. Morphological and ornamentation classifications were built on the basis of the scheme developed on materials of Mosolovka site and the settlements of middle flew of Sіverskyi Donets river. Research of the plastic raw material and paste recipes was conducted using visual microscopic analysis, abridged MGR-analysis and thin-section analysis. Pottery assemblage includes 4 % of the total number of fragments discovered during excavations. Five pottery forms were identified: restricted and unrestricted jars, pot-like vessels, pots and ribbed vessels. Orifice diameters of jars, pot-like vessels and pots vary from 38.0 to 21.5 cm. Ribbed vessels on average are smaller than mentioned types and form to groups by size (with orifice diameters of 25 and 15—16 cm). Three techniques and nine elements of ornamentation were identified. Make-up of both surfaces prevails, fine-toothed comb treatment and coarse-toothed comb treatment of Pokrovka type are also presented. Two pottery fabrics can be distinguished in the assemblage with the naked eye. Five pottery samples were selected for purposes of technological analysis. Observations were conducted using the microscope on cross-cuts and fresh breaks of sherds before and after re-firing. Consequently two groups by features of plastic raw material and two paste recipes were identified. Both paste recipes include grog as an intentional addition. Due to method of the abridged Matrix Group by Refiring (MGR) analysis the samples were re-fired in controlled conditions up to from 1100 to 1200 °C. The results showed the identity of the matrix of all samples — non-calcareous, slightly over-melted (sovM). Their local production is suggested. The thin-section analysis allowed to clarify technological features of the samples with raw material type 1, paste type 1. Analyzed ceramic materials present traditions of the Wood-framed Graves entity. They mark new settlement site of the developed stage of the Wood-framed Graves entity and can be dated back to XVII—XVІ BC. Small size of the ceramic assemblage restricts its informative capacity. The importance of the research lies in testing the program of complex analysis of ceramic assemblages.

scholarly journals Canteras-taller El Ranchito (Dpto. Ischilín, Córdoba). Una primera aproximación a la caracterización de las fuentes y al análisis de los conjuntos líticos

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Gisela Sario ◽  
Eduardo Pautassi ◽  
Marcos Salvatore
Keyword(s):  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Stone Tools ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Northern Province ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Siliceous Rock ◽  
Lithic Artifacts

<p>El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una primera aproximación a la caracterización de los afloramientos y el análisis tecno-tipológico de materiales líticos recolectados en una cantera-taller, ubicada en la localidad arqueológica El Ranchito (valle de Copacabana, Dpto. Ischilín), en el norte de la provincia de Córdoba. A lo largo de las investigaciones arqueológicas en el valle se menciona la presencia de una materia prima lítica de muy buena calidad para la talla, una roca silícea, de la cual se han hallado puntas de proyectil y otros artefactos formatizados. Si bien su presencia es escasa en comparación con otras materias primas como el cuarzo, la misma se encuentra en la mayoría de los sitios arqueológicos de la región. En la localidad El Ranchito se han identificado tres fuentes primarias de aprovisionamiento de este material, como resultado de cuatro prospecciones en donde se realizaron ocho cuadrículas de recolección de material lítico en diferentes sectores. Los relevamientos permitieron establecer la disponibilidad natural de esta materia prima, extrayéndose muestras de la fuente identificada que fueron inspeccionadas con microscopio e identificadas como silcrete. Aquí se presentan los resultados del análisis de la primera unidad de recolección realizada, en la que se recuperaron en su mayoría ecofactos y desechos de talla, y en menor proporción núcleos e instrumentos. Esto nos permite inferir que la actividad principal era el descortezamiento de nódulos.</p><p><br /><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p><br />This paper aims at presenting a first approach to the characterization of outcrops and techno-typological analysis of lithic materials collected in a quarry-workshop, located in the archaeological site El Ranchito (Valle de Copacabana, District of Ischilín) in the northern province of Córdoba. During archaeological research in the valley, we found lithic raw material of high quality for carving, a siliceous rock from which arrowheads were identified, in addition toother stone tools. While its presence is low as compared with other lithic artifacts such as quartz, such material was found in most archaeological sites in the region. In El Ranchito, three sources of this material were identified, in which quarry-workshop areas were formed. These resulted from four surveys in which eight collection grids of lithic material were conducted in different areas. The surveys helped establish the natural availability of this raw material, through which samples were analyzed under microscope and identified as silcrete. We report the results from the analysis of the first collection unit, in which we found, mostly, ecofacts and debitage, and, to a lesser extent, cores and tools, allowing us to infer that tasks related to the removal of nodule cortex were performed.</p><p> </p>

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