Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis of Pottery From Sites LA 57469, LA 83733, LA 87371, and LA 87372 Melrose, New Mexico

Summary

Eight samples of pottery from archaeological sites LA87371 , LA87372, and LA873733 near Melrose, New Mexico have been analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR). Chris Lowry chose the samples from collections obtained during CRM investigations at the sites. Here, we describe sample preparation and analytical techniques used at MURR and report the subgroup structure identified through quantitative analysis of the ceramic compositional data set. During the last 15 years more than more than 9000 pottery, clay, and temper samples from the American Southwest have been analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR). Consequently, it is possible for archaeologists to submit a few ceramic samples and have a reasonably good chance of successfully determining the provenance of the pottery- assuming that similar pottery has been previously analyzed.

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Melrose Air Force Range CRM Manager

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