Assessing the Potential for ED-XRF in Archaeometric Studies: A Focus on Data Sharing and Bulk Chemical Analysis

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Advances in Obsidian Studies of the Old and New Worlds" session, at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Over the past few decades, the increasing use of compositional studies of archaeological materials has dramatically enhanced our knowledge of the past, but as the diversity and availability of analytical techniques increases it is necessary to understand all of the variables involved in the choice of analytical method. In this paper I discuss the variables impacting three of the most common analytical techniques (NAA, XRF, and ICP) for two of the most frequently studied materials around the world (obsidian and ceramics). A particular focus is given to XRF as this technique is often employed without proper consideration of its limitations. I will address the potential for data sharing between laboratories as well as problems with the increasingly common attempts to conduct bulk chemical analysis of ceramics. The examples used are primarily from the American Southwest but the issues apply to all regions.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 84th Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM (2019)   •
• Advances in Obsidian Studies of the Old and New Worlds

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 24129