Identifying Historic Ceramics: Applications of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry in Archaeology

Summary

While ceramics are prevalent among many historical archaeological excavations, it is often difficult to properly identify ware type, particularly to the archaeologist untrained in ceramic studies.  Even with such training some sherds may still remain unidentifiable.  The purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to accurately categorize ceramic sherds by ware type based on the elemental composition of their glaze.  By analyzing samples of common historic ceramic wares this study will attempt to ascertain a representative X-ray spectrum for each type.  A blind test will then verify the validity of this application for ceramic identification.  In the event of a successful outcome, the viability of practically utilizing this approach within archaeological contexts will be explored.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions) 2018   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 506