Journal•ISSN: 0003-813X
Archaeometry
Wiley-Blackwell
About: Archaeometry is an academic journal published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Pottery & Bronze Age. It has an ISSN identifier of 0003-813X. Over the lifetime, 2416 publications have been published receiving 65155 citations.
Topics: Pottery, Bronze Age, Geology, Bronze, Radiocarbon dating
Papers published on a yearly basis
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline the background to the optical dating program at Jinmium, and describe the experimental design and statistical methods used to obtain optical ages from single grains of quartz sand.
Abstract: Jinmium rock shelter is famous for the claims made by Fullagar et al. (1996) for the early human colonization and ancient rock art of northern Australia. These claims were based on thermo-luminescence ages obtained for the artefact-bearing quartz sediments that form the floor deposit at the site. In this paper, we outline the background to the optical dating programme at Jinmium, and describe the experimental design and statistical methods used to obtain optical ages from single grains of quartz sand. The results, interpretations, and implications of this dating programme are reported in a companion paper (Roberts et al. 1999, this volume).
2,042 citations
TL;DR: In this article, correction factors for attenuation of beta radiation by spherical quartz grains embedded in ceramics were obtained for grain diameters ranging from 0.005 to 10.0 mm.
Abstract: Correction factors for attenuation of beta radiation by spherical quartz grains embedded in ceramics were obtained for grain diameters ranging from 0.005 to 10.0 mm. The calculation was based on the absorbed-dose distributions for point-isotopic beta sources listed by Berger, in conjunction with the scaling procedure developed by Cross, and included beta particles, internal conversion electrons, and Auger electrons emitted by /sup 40/K, and the /sup 232/Th and /sup 238/U series.
861 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a series of recommended procedures for comparing sets of radiocarbon determinations from the same and from adjacent strata or sites, and combine these where statistical and archaeological criteria indicate that this combination is warranted.
Abstract: Archaeologists, along with other Quaternary researchers, seldom rely upon a single radiocarbon determination to provide an estimate of the age of the phenomenon which is the object of their study. There is an evident need for an explicitly formulated procedure for comparing sets of radiocarbon determinations from the same and from adjacent strata or sites, and for combining these where statistical and archaeological criteria indicate that this combination is warranted. The present contribution provides explicit modelling for a series of recommended procedures, a critique of previous methods, and paradigms for application of the recommended procedures.
857 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a discussion of variability in strontium isotope values is presented in various geographical areas and the authors conclude with the recommendation to incorporate small animal samples for comparative purposes whenever possible.
Abstract: Strontium isotope analysis of bone and tooth enamel from prehistoric human skeletons is an important new technique used to address questions regarding migration. Two problems arise in such investigations: (1) levels of strontium isotope ratios in local bedrock, soil, water, plants and animals are variable; and (2) a range of values in human bone and enamel data make it difficult to distinguish some migrants from locals. Analysis of the bones of small animals provides a robust measure of local strontium isotope ratios and a reliable, if conservative, means for determining confidence limits for distinguishing migrants. Data from various geographical areas are presented here in a discussion of variability in strontium isotope values. Examples are provided using modern and prehistoric materials. We conclude with the recommendation that studies involving strontium isotope analysis should incorporate small animal samples for comparative purposes whenever possible.
694 citations
TL;DR: A summary of the state of understanding of processes and states in bone diagenesis, as seen from a chemical perspective, can be found in this article, where the significance and usefulness of the measurements of 'diagenetic parameters' and theories of physico-chemical processes are considered to underlie the measured changes.
Abstract: This overview is a summary of the state of understanding of processes and states in bone diagenesis, as seen from a chemical perspective. It deals with the significance and usefulness of the measurements of ‘diagenetic parameters’—that is, of measures of diagenetic alteration—and of the theories of physico–chemical processes which are considered to underlie the measured changes. In many ways these two aspects are seen to come together quite well, and some progress has been made in relating different burial environments to the observations of alteration. Such a framework also allows us to ask more penetrating questions, such as how characteristic differences in diagenetic alteration might arise, and how the pre–burial environment might influence the eventual course of diagenesis.
571 citations