SEM-EDS Analysis of Ceramics from the Mongol Empire

Summary

I will use scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS) to investigate both elemental compositions and mineral microstructures of ceramics from the Mongol Empire. I will analyze and compare sherds from multiple contexts, including ceramic production centers, burials and residential areas to acquire qualitative and quantitative data on porcelain bodies, glazes, and pigments with the SEM-EDS technique. A high degree of similarities in chemical compositions and mineral structures of samples from different areas would suggest a single or very few production centers. I also expect official wares and civilian wares were made with different sources and recipes of raw materials, which will be indicated by comparing the compositions of sherds using SEM-EDS. My research will not only focus on how objects were produced, consumed and exchanged, but also attempt to understand the underlying sociopolitical factors that affected these processes over time and space.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20409