A novel method to accurately source obsidian and basalt artifacts

Summary

Development of a Unique Sourcing and Artifact Analysis Technique and Database for Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, USA.

Using the Tracer III SD xrf laboratory system as a key component, a very precise and detailed methodology was developed for the elemental measurement, material type identification, and geological source location of artifacts found on Dugway Proving Grounds.Following 8 steps led to a very precise and accurate elemental analysis of the Dugway basalt and obsidian artifacts and sources in this study. The study involved the source of over 3000 artifacts both basalt and obsidian. And resulted in ground breaking knowledge concerning the peoples of that time in Utah and surrounding States.

Cite this Record

A novel method to accurately source obsidian and basalt artifacts. Bruce Kaiser, Jennifer DeGraffenried, Nathan Nelson. Presented at The 81st Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, Orlando, Florida. 2016 ( tDAR id: 405126)

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Keywords

Spatial Coverage

min long: -122.761; min lat: 29.917 ; max long: -109.27; max lat: 42.553 ;