Colour signature analysis: A new refitting method

Summary

Although the analytical worth of lithic refitting is rarely disputed, it is widely acknowledged that the technique is time- and labour- expensive. This project describes a new method aimed at improving the efficiency and efficacy of refitting studies by using colour scanning technology to capture the discrete colour signatures of individual lithic artefacts. This technique allows an assemblage to be digitally and objectively divided into small colour-based raw material units (RMUs) that have a high probability of containing potential refits. Two purpose-built software programs are employed within the project - an iOS application that works in conjunction with colour scanning hardware to rapidly and accurately collect data, and a Windows.NET application built to test the viability of the technique. These applications are are used in conjunction with a relatively inexpensive and portable chroma-meter (NODE+ Chroma 1.2). Whilst the technique aims primarily to facilitate refitting studies, this study also demonstrates the continuing value of incorporating new and innovative technologies within the archaeological analytical sphere.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

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