Compositional Characterization of Prehistoric Ceramics: A New Approach

Author: Kennett D.J.   Sakai S.   Neff H.   Gossett R.   Larson D.O.  

Publisher: Academic Press

ISSN: 0305-4403

Source: Journal of Archaeological Science, Vol.29, Iss.5, 2002-05, pp. : 443-455

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Abstract

In this paper we present a promising new geochemical provenance technique that couples chemistry-based microwave digestion of archaeological ceramics with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (MD-ICP-MS). MD-ICP-MS data for a standard reference material (SRM-679, brick clay) compare favourably with certified values, and data for prehistoric ceramics from the Virgin Branch Anasazi region of southern Nevada reproduce groups identified in an INAA study. We argue that MD-ICP-MS provides a cost-effective and readily available approach for determining the provenance of archaeological ceramics. As the use of nuclear reactors for archaeological research purposes becomes more tenuous, MD-ICP-MS may also provide a viable alternative for bulk analysis of prehistoric ceramics in the long-term. .