Archaeological chemical laboratories activities

The laboratory tests normally used to confirm field designations and to establish the boundaries of archaeological occupation were inconclusive because of the nature of the soils at Yagi. A more complete chemical analysis of the soils was attempted by using neutron activation analysis. 

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. 

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. 

On the other hand, the sources and the extent of hazards may be more difficult to assess. There are in effect two sets of raw materials in the workshop the objects being treated, and the materials used to treat them. The object to be treated could present a chemical, biological or mechanical hazard. In some cases, it will be in the laboratory so that more can be learned of its composition or structure. It may, then, be necessary to impute the worst possible hazards to the object until it has been shown to be safe. This is particularly important for some types of biological specimen if there is a history of infection. An example was the archaeological investigation of a graveyard in the City of London in 1985 where it was thought that those interred had died of smallpox. A check was carried out before work started, but no active smallpox was identified. 

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