Why Not Grab That Big, Juicy Piece of Charcoal for Dating?

Summary

Traditionally, archaeologists have preferentially selected point-provenienced, large pieces of charcoal for radiocarbon dating. Examining post-depositional processes affecting charcoal suggests that these items are usually remnants of inner portions of much larger pieces of fuel wood that were burned in a feature. Radiocarbon dates on heartwood and later wood are potentially hundreds of years different, resulting in an age determination that has little to do with the use of the feature. Growth of trees and interaction between "carbon 14" in the atmosphere and the plant are reviewed. A method for selecting the most appropriate sample for radiocarbon dating is presented, as well as options for dating problematic contexts.

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• PaleoResearch Institute

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Contact(s): Linda Scott Cummings

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