Case Studies in Chert Sourcing and Identification

The purpose of this symposium is to provide an opportunity for researchers engaged in identifying and sourcing chert to present new data, methods, and techniques in the form of case studies. The ability to identify and source chert have experienced several advances in the last few years. This ability is focused around new methodologies and multi-technique approaches, rather than macroscopic identification alone. In particular, chert typology is de-emphasized in favor of determining formational and diagenetic processes through multi-technique approaches including instrumental analysis, petrographic thin sectioning, and exhaustive regional studies of macroscopic properties. Multiple instrumental techniques will be presented including Instrument Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Fourier Transform – Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), petrographic thin section analysis, and many more. Each of these techniques have unique advantages for answering specific anthropological questions concerning human behavior. Case studies will focus on presenting methodological approaches to include sampling, technique, data, implications of research, and future studies.