Provenance studies ceramics

Trace-element analysis of metals can give indications of the geographic provenance of the material. Both emission spectroscopy (84) and activation analysis (85) have been used for this purpose. Another tool in provenance studies is the measurement of relative abundances of the lead isotopes (86,87). This technique is not restricted to metals, but can be used on any material that contains lead. Finally, for an object cast around a ceramic core, a sample of the core material can be used for thermoluminescence dating. 

Trace-element analysis, using emission spectroscopy (107) and, especially, activation analysis (108) has been appHed in provenance studies on archaeological ceramics with revolutionary results. The attribution of a certain geographic origin for the clay of an object excavated elsewhere has a direct implication on past trade and exchange relationships. 

Descantes, C., Neff, H., Glascock, M. D., and Dickinson, W. R. (2001). Chemical characterization of Micronesian ceramics through instrumental neutron activation analysis a preliminary provenance study. Journal of Archaeological Science 28 1185-1190. 

Hein, A., Tsolakidou, A., Iliopoulos, I., et al. (2002). Standardisation of elemental analytical techniques applied to provenance studies of archaeological ceramics an inter laboratory calibration study. Analyst 127 542-553. 

An examination of the potential for provenance studies of variation in mineralogical and chemical composition on very old ceramic assemblages (of ancient Japanese pottery and of Mesoamerican plumbate pottery surfaces) has been performed by LA-ICP-MS. Results suggested that the region s geological complexity may inhibit successful provenance studies of ceramics.9-11... 

The choice of Fine Orange ceramics for one of the initial studies on the development of our analytical method is significant. In addition to the archaeological importance of this ceramic type, it was one of the two ceramic types analyzed by Sayre in his pioneer work on the provenance studies (26), which were the practical breakthrough for provenance determination through chemical analyses. 

Therefore, chemical analysis is the key to provenance studies, especially for ceramics with identical or similar figure types, for pottery with an unknown origin or when trade routes are to be investigated. 

With LA, MC-ICP-MS isotope ratio measurements can be performed in just a few minutes per sample as compared with the several hours per sample required for TIMS analysis. In addition, LA-MC-ICP-MS can yield spatially resolved isotope ratio characterization. Thus, provenance studies of ceramic paints, glazes, and slips in situ by LA-MC-ICP-MS measurement of lead and/or other isotope ratios are obvious areas for future development. Hints of the potential of this approach are highlighted in a recent study by Huntley [74], which showed that interaction on different spatial scales can be detected via elemental analysis of paste together with lead isotope analysis of glaze paints on Zuni glazed wares. 

As LA-MC-ICP-MS becomes more accessible, provenance studies may begin to combine elemental and isotopic characterization. Some time ago, Stos-Gale [114] suggested that metal provenance studies could be based on combined lead isotope and trace element analyses, and the same kind of combined approach would seem desirable in the case of turquoise as well as other, seldom analyzed materials such as ceramic glazes. Cooper et al. [115] combined trace element and LA-MC-ICP-MS lead isotope analysis of native copper from North America, but found that the lead isotopes were of little use in source discrimination. 

Compositional analysis of Yayoi-Heian period ceramics from Okinawa examining the potential for provenance study. Geoarchaeology, 21 S), 803-822. 

In any study of the provenance of ceramic clays it is important to understand that the selection of clays by prehistoric potters was not haphazard but probably represented a balance between technical and nontechnical choices. Quality is one of the leading factors in the selection of clays. In their study of Kalinga ceramics, Aronson et al. (P) indicate that potters preferred clays with few mineral inclusions and a high degree of plasticity. Accessibility and distance were also important factors in selection potters preferred to procure materials from deposits near their house or within a a familiar political region. This coincides with Arnold s (70) estimates that Native populations procured clays from deposits located less than 50 km from their primary residence. 

The investigations on boundary lubrication used to focus on the friction elements made of metallic materials, and of steel in particular. This is, of course, due to the fact that a great majority of machines are built from metal and steel, but it is also because the hydrocarbon-based oils have been proven to be an extraordinarily good lubricant for metal surfaces. Unfortunately, the conventional oils are not so effective to lubricate the components made of other materials, like ceramics, rubbers, silicon, etc., so that the study on new types of lubricants suitable for such materials has attracted great attention in recent years. 

Impey, O.R., Pollard, A.M., Wood, N. and Tregear, M. (1983). An investigation into the provenance and technical properties of Tianqi porcelain. Trade Ceramic Studies 3 102-158. 

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