Archaeological artifacts, chemical analysis

Differences in chemical compositions usually provide new information about artifacts. By differentiating between the sources of the raw materials used to produce objects, it is possible to infer cultural contacts. For some artifacts, detailed studies of compositional differences can also help us understand production methods. The remains of the humans themselves may also be analyzed to provide useful information. The contributions that chemists have made in the study of archaeological materials have gone far beyond the simple chemical analysis of the materials. This volume gives but a small part of the great contributions that chemists have made toward the understanding of ancient materials and technologies. 

A Xany insights into early civilizations have been provided by the study of ceramics. Various physical and chemical methods are considered standard techniques for modem archaeology (I, 2). The macroanalysis, microanalysis, and trace chemical analysis of artifacts have added greatly to the understanding of prehistoric civilizations (3-6). The chemical techniques used for ceramic analysis have included spark source mass spectrometry (7) ... 

Chemical analysis of practically every type is used extensively in archaeological chemistry. There are of course important diflFerences between the typical problems which arise in analytical laboratories and those of archaeological chemistry. Ideally in studies of archaeological artifacts the analytical technique should be nondestructive, and if this is not feasible, only a very small sample is to be removed. If a sample is to be removed, a concerted eflFort should be made not to diminish the object s aesthetic appearance. For example, it may be necessary to drill at the bottom of a bronze vase where the damage is not visible. In the case where sample-taking is not allowed, the artifact must be accommo-... 

Neutron activation analysis has proven to be a convenient way of performing the chemical analysis of archaeologically-excavated artifacts and materials. It is fast and does not require tedious laboratory operations. It is multielement, sensitive, and if need be, can be made entirely non-destructive. Neutron activation analysis in its instrumental form, i.e. that involving no chemical separation, is ideally suited to automation and conveniently takes the first step in data flow patterns that are appropriate for many taxonomic and statistical operations. 

Moreau, J.-F. and Hancock, R. G. V. (1996). Chrono-cultural technique based on the instrumental neutron activation analysis of copper-based artifacts from the contact period of northeastern North America. In Archaeological Chemistry organic, inorganic and biochemical analysis, ed. Orna, M. V., ACS Symposium Series 625, Washington, DC, American Chemical Society, pp. 64-82. 

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is an eminently suitable technique for obtaining the chemical profile of ancient pottery and artifacts made from other earthy materials. This technique can be used to determine where these articles originated. An NAA system that has proved to be adequate for this task is discussed. A brief review is also given of the way archaeologists have decided matters of provenance and the uses to which they put their knowledge. Finally, two examples of archaeological problems are given in which the new horizons opened by the laboratory work are stressed. 

Dussubieux, L. (2007) LA-ICP-MS analysis of copper alloy artifacts. In Archaeological Chemistry Analytical Techniques and References, edited by Glascock, M.D., Speakman, R.J., Popelka-Filcoff, R.S. ACS Publication Series 968. Washington, DC American Chemical Society, pp. 337-348. 

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