Micro-residues: Developing a Geochemical Baseline for Archaeological Analysis at Temyiq Tuyuryaq

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Temyiq Tuyuryaq: Collaborative Archaeology the Yup’iit Way" session, at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Geochemical analysis of anthropomorphic sediments in a household context have contributed to our understanding of ‘home-making’ including spatial organization and use of residential space (e.g. Frink and Goodale). Geochemical signatures can identify micro-residues such as calcium and phosphorous, suggesting activities that have occurred that we may not be able to visually conceptualize. These traces often coincide with cultural memory and place and can indicate continuity or adaptation in a changing environment due to a number of factors such as climate instability and colonial entanglements. This preliminary research analyzes samples collected from both natural and anthropomorphic environments at Temyiq Tuyuryaq in order to establish a baseline for further geochemical analysis relying on field collection using pXRF technology. The portability of pXRF analyzer also provides benefits for collaboration with local students in terms of field collection and analysis as well as the ability to address potential public health concerns such as lead paint and environmental contaminants which have substantial implications in a region relying predominantly on a subsistence economy.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Temyiq Tuyuryaq: Collaborative Archaeology the Yup’iit Way   •
• Society for American Archaeology 84th Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM (2019)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 24987