Manufacture Of Artifacts Research Articles

Synchrotron X-ray tomographic imaging of embedded fossil invertebrates in Aboriginal stone artefacts from Western Australia: Implications for sourcing, distribution and chronostratigraphy

Eocene fossiliferous chert is a distinctive rock used in the manufacture of stone artefacts commonly found in archaeological sites in southwestern Western Australia (WA). In this study, we employ non-destructive high-resolution X-ray computer tomographic (CT) imaging at the Australian Synchrotron to map and identify embedded bryozoan (and other) fossils within archival artefact samples and potential source material from offshore drill cores in the Perth Basin and from the Nullarbor Plain to the east. Analysis of synchrotron data confirmed the presence of Cellaria, Porina, Quadricellaria, Reteporella, Siphonicytara, Trigonopora, and Idmonea species in chert samples from as far afield as Exmouth Gulf in the north west of WA, Esperance in the south and inland as far as the Goldfields region of WA. This widespread distribution of fossiliferous chert over 1800 km is significantly greater than previously documented and the bryozoan fingerprinting of geological source and artefact material indicates that a potential source within the Eucla Basin located in the SW corner of WA cannot be discounted. In addition, the association of one chert artefact on Doole Island (Exmouth Gulf) with shell midden material dated between 2500 and 770 yr BP also questions the use of fossiliferous chert as a late-Pleistocene-early Holocene chronological marker. The advantages and limitations of synchrotron CT imaging for characterising and sourcing fossiliferous chert are also discussed, with further research warranted on the distribution and probable long-distance trade of this idiosyncratic material.

Traceability of form measurements of freeform surfaces: metrological reference surfaces

Due to the complexity of measurement systems for asphere and freeform surfaces, well-known artifacts are required to characterize the accuracy of the results of their form measurements. We present advancements in manufacturing and characterization of metrological multispherical freeform artifacts. The strong cooperation between the manufacturing and measurement units of Physikalisch–Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) allows the form of the artifacts to be manufactured very accurately and the root-mean-square deviation from the desired design form to be improved by a factor of >20 compared to former results (e.g., from a value >500 nm to about 20 nm). Furthermore, a nickel/phosphorous coating is added to the copper surface, resulting in greater hardness and allowing the coated surface to be used as a reference for low-force tactile measurement systems. Four Gaussian peak fiducial marker structures are added to the design to improve the evaluation of comparison measurements. In addition to characterizing the radii in the spherical segments using PTB’s radius measurement bench, we also characterize the sphericity of the spherical segments using a Fizeau interferometer. We show form measurement results for a full-field measuring tilted-wave interferometer and compare the form measurement results in the spherical segments with measurement results obtained with the Fizeau interferometer.

Improvements to the analytical protocol of lapis lazuli provenance: First study on Myanmar rock samples

The study of lapis lazuli is important to find out information about the provenance of a material used since the Neolithic Age for the manufacturing of precious carved artefacts. The Badakhshan deposits in Afghanistan are commonly considered as the main source of lapis lazuli in ancient times. However, other quarries could have possibly been exploited since antiquity. A protocol to distinguish the provenance of lapis lazuli rocks among four known source areas (located in present-day Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Siberia and Chile) by means of non-invasive techniques was set up in the last years. It is based on differences in the physical-chemical properties measured in 45 lapis lazuli rocks that constitute our reference database. The aim of the present paper is to extend the protocol analysing, by means of a multi-analytical approach, 10 lapis lazuli rock samples, coming from the quarry district of Mandalay in Myanmar, to find out significant petrographic and mineralogical markers. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to perform a detailed petrographic and mineralogical characterisation allowing to distinguish the Myanmar lapis lazuli in three main groups. SEM-EDX analyses on selected mineral phases were performed.

Population convergence in the Strobel Plateau: A discussion based on the study of lithic raw materials variability

Rock art research carried out in the Strobel Plateau (Santa Cruz province, Patagonia, Argentina - 700 to 1200 masl) has shown that during Late Holocene population convergence took place in this area, where information was concentrated and distributed on a supra-regional scale (Belardi & Goñi 2006; Goñi 2010; Re 2010; Goñi et al. 2007, 2014). The central position of this plateau in the province's steppe would also be a crucial factor regarding this process (Belardi & Goñi 2006). In this context, the aim of this work is to study this idea of population dynamics given the evidence from lithic technology. In order to do this, we first consider the analysis of variability and provenance of lithic raw materials used for the manufacture of artefacts. It is important to highlight that after 15 years of research carried out in the Strobel Plateau we have not found any lithic source. However, previous works suggest that lithic resources used in the Strobel Plateau are located in nearby areas. Therefore, when analysing the variability, provenance and distance of sources, this work seeks to discuss the access to the plateau and the regional circulation axes. The obtained results support the idea of population convergence occurring in Late Holocene.

Mineralogical characterization of an ancient pottery from the la Candelaria archaeological site, Santa Helena del Opón, Santander (Colombia)

Background An ancient pottery from the La Candelaria archaeological site Santa Helena del Op oacute n Santander Colombia has been investigated by several analytical techniques Evidences of high temperature mineral phases and high degrees of vitrification indicate that the raw clayed paste for manufacture of the ceramic artifacts passed through high firing temperatures with a non homogeneous firing Almost all raw materials for manufacture of pottery sherds mainly proceed from the region which was developed by a culture which through the centuries did not realized substantial changes in their manufacture technology

Variability in obsidian structural water content and its importance in the hydration dating of cultural artifacts

The process of dating ancient obsidian artifacts converts the quantity of surface diffused molecular water to a calendar age using an experimentally derived diffusion coefficient predicted from glass composition. The internal structural water content of rhyolitic obsidian has been identified as a highly influential variable that controls the rate of water diffusion at ambient temperature. We demonstrate through the use of infrared spectroscopy and specific gravity (density) measurements on samples from 34 obsidian sources that total structural water (H2Ot) concentrations between sources can range from 0.07% to 1.66%. Structural water concentration within individual sources may also vary significantly and impact the accuracy of estimated ages for artifact manufacture if not properly monitored. A calibration for the water determination on individual samples by density measurement is developed here and the impact of structural water variation on obsidian chronometric dates is discussed.

The discovery of seven engraved La Tène glass beads from the sanctuary of Mathay-Mandeure

Analysis of seven newly discovered engraved La Tène beads from the Mathay-Mandeure sanctuary in Doubs, France, has refined the chronology for the manufacture of such rare artefacts, and increases our understanding of Late Iron Age ritual deposition practices.

‘The gleaming mane of the serpent’: the Birka dragonhead from Black Earth Harbour

Abstract

Lead provenance of Late Roman Republican artefacts from Monte dos Castelinhos archaeological site (Portugal): Insights from elemental and isotopic characterization by Q-ICPMS

A set of lead artefacts were recovered at the Late Roman Republican archaeological site of Monte dos Castelinhos (Portugal), located in a prominent position on the right bank of the Tagus River, in the rear of its estuary. All artefacts, namely 16 shapeless fragment, seven glandes plumbeae and six possible metallurgical remains, were analysed using Q-ICPMS to determine minor and trace elemental compositions (Ag, As, Bi, Cu, Ni, Sb and Sn) and Pb isotope ratios. Statistical analyses of these data allow us to identify elements with similar behaviours and to differentiate raw materials used in the manufacture of the lead artefacts. Variation on the concentrations of Ag, Bi, Cu and Sb suggests galena as the most probable lead ore source, although some artefacts with a high Cu content may suggest the reduction of litharge obtained from argentiferous jarosites containing Cu. Pb isotope ratios point to raw materials with a probable Iberian provenance, namely from mines of the Sierra Morena and Ossa Morena Zone. Besides, there is evidence of the use of lead also resulting by the reduction of litharge, a by-product of the silver cupellation, in our case using argentiferous jarosites from the Iberian Pyrite Belt mixed with lead from other provenance.

Actividades tecnológicas articuladoras: una interpretación fértil del paisaje desértico costero de Arica (Chile)

El siguiente trabajo propone que la tecnología en fibra vegetal fue un eje articulador de decisiones sociales y tecnológicas ejecutadas por grupos de Cazadores-Recolectores y Pescadores tempranos de Arica (CRP). Esto en el marco de los procesos tecnológicos desplegados para la manufactura de artefactos sobre esta materia prima entre ca. 10000-3700 AP. Para concretar la propuesta se efectuó un análisis de los atributos técnicos-textiles de artefactos en materia vegetal provenientes de sitios de la costa ariqueña, un registro actualísitco de artesanías en materias vegetales que incluyó la identificación de etapas de manufactura y un mapeo de la cubierta vegetacional mediante teledetección. Lo anterior se sustenta teóricamente mediante el uso operacionalizado del concepto taskscape, nutrido con nociones sociales de tecnología y con el modelo de chaîne opératoire para así integrar a esta tecnología en el escenario social. Como conclusión, se logra definir que la manufactura fue parte del orden cotidiano de estos grupos que tras habitar continuamente estuarios y humedales transformaron de manera constante el entorno natural/cultural. Por ende, la extracción-selección, procesamiento y tejido conforma solo una fracción de una actividad social relevante que permite comprender aspectos sociales y tecnológicos que van más allá de la mirada del fitness alimenticio.

Design it yourself? Punk’s division of labour

Abstract Punk’s do-it-yourself call to arms led to a widespread adoption of the rhetoric, if not always the practice, of independence from traditional means of production – although it should be acknowledged that do-it-yourself ideals go back a lot further than the punk explosion of the 1970s, from traditional folk music through to the bottleneck rural blues players of the 1930s and 1940s, the 1950s UK skiffle boom and early 1960s US garage bands. The punks may have articulated the do-it-yourself vision most clearly, turning it into a mantra, but they were inheriting a tradition that was established many years earlier. During the early period of punk’s development in the United Kingdom, a distinct division of labour can be seen in the impact of an ‘anyone can do it’ DIY ethos on a range of activities. These range from live performance to the creation and manufacture of punk artefacts (clothes, posters, flyers, fanzines, records). While some of these areas offered new opportunities for amateur producers, within more technical areas of manufacturing, including the physical production of records, do-it-yourself could only have a nominal impact. Many punk groups did not have access to sound recording technologies, and even if they did, they would have to hand over the cutting and pressing of vinyl to a professional outfit. There was certainly a widespread and outspoken desire to take artistic control away from mainstream sources, but in reality the full ownership of the means of production was at best a naive ambition. Similarly, sleeve artwork could be created by untrained designers, but print reproduction was often left to the services of a professional print studio – doing-it-yourself had obvious limitations when it came to large-scale production and distribution.

Research Methods Leading to a Perception of Knowledge Loss—One Century of Plant Use Documentation Among the Chácobo in Bolivia

The loss of traditional knowledge, concomitant with changes in livelihoods, languages, and demographics of indigenous and local groups, is a global concern. However, documenting such loss poses serious methodological challenges. Comparing the results of contemporary studies with past research is often problematic due to methodological differences. Here, comparing studies that attempted to document the traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of the Chacobo of Bolivia, we tried to examine whether knowledge loss was really occurring across more than 100 years or was only researcher’s perception. The Chacobo are a Panoan-speaking tribe of about 1000 members, first visited by researchers in 1911, and subsequently in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Each study had different foci, but all recorded ethnobotanical data. The first more detailed anthropological report exists from the late 1960s, and ecological-ethnobotanical studies were conducted in the 1980s and 1990s. Based on available literature, in particular the botanical studies of Boom (1987) and Bergeron (1998), it seemed that Chacobo plant use now centers on income generation. Both Boom (1987) and Bergeron (1998) perceived that traditional plant use related to household artifacts and medicine, as well as traditional crop varieties had almost disappeared. Here, we hypothesized that plant knowledge documented and the perception of so-called knowledge loss observed in these depended completely on the background of the interviewers and the methods employed, and that in a sufficiently comprehensive ethnobotanical study, we would be able to document all species and uses mentioned in previous studies. We tested this hypothesis by conducting a complete ethnobotanical inventory of almost the entire adult Chacobo population, with interviews and plant collection conducted directly by Chacobo counterparts. The results verify our initial hypothesis and showed that the loss of knowledge perceived in previous studies simply was an artifact of the research methods employed. Traditional crop varieties are still widely grown, most Chacobo know, and can name, traditional artifacts, and many still know the names and uses of medicinal species. However, some knowledge, including the manufacture of artifacts and proficient identification of many medicinal plants, is limited to the older generation.

VI Congreso de Arqueología de la Región Pampeana Argentina - VI CARPA - Libro de Resúmenes

This contribution presents the first anthracological results of Los Tres Cerros 1 (LTC1) archaeological site, located in the insular zone of the Victoria department, Entre Ríos Province, in order to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between human groups whose inhabiting the site and the use of plant resources. The twelve radiocarbon dates obtained from the upper and middle levels of the site date the past human occupation between 1030 and 560 years BP. The coals concentrated and/or dispersed in stratigraphic position found during the excavation of the site were determined. The concentrated charcoals are considered as a sign of human selection and use of forest resources by past human populations, while the dispersed ones were employed to identify trees or shrubs landscape surrounding the mound. Arboreal elements: Ocotea sp. (Lauraceae), Sapium sp. (Euphorbiaceae), Enterolobium sp., Prosopis sp., Acacia sp. (Leguminoseae-Mimosoideae), Erythrina sp. (LeguminoseaePapilionoideae) and Cordia sp. (Boraginaceae); lianas elements: Passiflora? sp. (Passifloraceae?) and herbaceous elements: Cyperus sp. (Cyperaceae) were recognized. The results obtained in this paper are relevant to discuss the multiple uses of the plants by prehispanic human groups which inhabited the Upper Paraná Delta, either as fuels, raw materials for the manufacture of archaeological artifacts, housing or boats.

Less of a bird's song than a hard rock ensemble.

Corbey et al. (2016) propose that the Acheulean handaxe was, at least in part, under genetic control. An alternative perspective is offered here, focusing on the nature of the Acheulean handaxe and the archaeological record, and re-emphasizing their status as cultural artefacts. This is based on four main arguments challenging the proposals of Corbey et al. Firstly, handaxes do not have to track environmental variation to be a cultural artefact, given their role as a hand-held butchery knife or multi-purpose tool. Secondly, while handaxe shapes do cluster around a basic bauplan, there is also significant variability in the Acheulean handaxe record, characterized by site-specific modal forms and locally expressed, short-lived, idiosyncratic traits. Critically, this variability occurs in both time and space, is multi-scalar, and does not appear to be under genetic control. Thirdly, handaxes were produced in social contexts, within which their makers grew up exposed to the sights and sounds of artefact manufacture. Finally, the localized absences of handaxes at different times and places in the Lower Paleolithic world is suggestive of active behavioral choices and population dynamics rather than genetic controls.

Study of the thermal decomposition of historical metal threads

In this work, it is reported that thermal analysis techniques such as differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis are very useful for evaluating metals threads and fibres used in the manufacture of historical artifacts. Thermal analysis has been used to characterize the silk, cotton and linen employed as supports and the copper, silver and aluminium as the metallic components in the studied threads. Other organic compounds, mainly added for the conservation of the threads, have also been characterized.

Living in the southwest Portuguese coast during the Late Mesolithic: The case study of Vale Marim I

The Mesolithic base-camp of Vale Marim I is located on the seashore of Sines harbour domain and covers a surface of about 1ha. The archaeological excavation encompassed an area of about 260m2. Several domestic structures were recovered; the fireplaces probably polarized economic and social action, like manufacture of lithic artefacts, cooking and probably the fish smoking activity; some areas without domestic structures and with very low density of lithic artefacts have been interpreted as latent remains of probable huts. The idea of a society based on an incipient kinship structure is admitted. The charcoal analysis has provided substantial information on the spread of pinewood (Pinus pinea) in keeping with a progressively mild climate, in the transition to the sixth millennium cal BC, favouring the development of open-air settlements. In sum, dwelling structures will be discussed in accordance with environmental changes and social organization.

Potencial informativo dos sítios abrigados do Estado de São Paulo: Abrigo do Alvo e Abrigo de Itapeva

O Estado de São Paulo é uma área propícia para a formação de carste. Tal fator é decorrente de suas características litológicas que favorecem a formação de cavernas e abrigos em arenito e calcário. Seja por espeleólogos ou arqueólogos, muitos sítios arqueológicos em contextos abrigados são detectados no interior paulista, no entanto, seus estudos ainda são pouco aprofundados. Neste artigo apresentaremos resultados preliminares dos sítios Abrigo do Alvo localizando em Analândia com a cronologia mais recente estabelecida em 970 anos cal AP e a mais antiga em 7.500 anos cal AP; e o sítio Abrigo do de Itapeva, no município homônimo com ocupações que vão de 585 anos cal AP até 5.858 anos cal AP. Ambos os abrigos apresentam vestígios arqueológicos similares: inscrições rupestres, material faunístico e artefatos líticos. A exceção ocorre no Abrigo de Itapeva que possui material cerâmico associado à Tradição Itararé e fragmentos de ossos humanos. Embora seja notável a diversidade de vestígios, trataremos somente das indústrias líticas que estão em processo de análise. A fim de se estabelecer comparações entre os conjuntos inicialmente procurou-se reconhecer características genéricas como matéria-prima, suporte, dimensões, etc., somados a isso os atributos tecnológicos foram observados a fim de se extrair informações sobre os lascamentos, sinais de uso e retoques. No final, os resultados nos permitiram concluir que embora esses grupos humanos habitassem o interior paulista durante o Holoceno médio, suas indústrias líticas mostram pouca similaridade apontando para normas culturais distintas.

Early Imports in the Late Bronze Age of South‐Western Iberia: The Bronze Ornaments of the Hypogea at Monte da Ramada 1 (Southern Portugal)

The composition and manufacture of Late Bronze Age metallic artefacts from funerary and domestic contexts of southern inland Portugal was studied. The prevailing trend comprises binary bronzes (10.3 ± 2.1 wt% Sn) showing deformed equiaxial grains, annealing twins and slip bands. The alloy composition is somewhat independent of artefact type, while the manufacture seems to rely on artefact function and the skilfulness of the metallurgist. The technological characteristics were linked with archaeological and chronological features, disclosing some artefacts of uncommon composition, such as low‐tin bronze bracelets (4.3–7.1 wt% Sn) associated with ornaments of exotic materials (glass and Egyptian faience beads, and also ostrich egg shell beads). The assemblage testifies to an archaic trade with the Mediterranean region before the establishment of the first Phoenician colonies on the southern Iberian coast.

Design it Yourself? Punk’s Division of Labour

Punk’s do-it-yourself call to arms led to a widespread adoption of the rhetoric, if not always the practice, of independence from traditional means of production. During the early period of punk’s development in the United Kingdom, a distinct division of labour can be seen in the impact of an ‘anyone can do it’ DIY ethos on a range of activities. These range from live performance to the creation and manufacture of punk artifacts (clothes, posters, flyers, fanzines, records). While some of these areas offered new opportunities for amateur producers, within more technical areas of manufacturing, including the physical production of records, do-it-yourself could only have a nominal impact. Many punk groups did not have access to sound recording technologies, and even of they did, they would have to hand over the cutting and pressing of vinyl to a professional outfit. There was certainly a widespread and outspoken desire to take artistic control away from mainstream sources, but in reality the ownership of the means of production was at best a naive ambition. Similarly, sleeve artwork could be created by untrained designers, but print reproduction was often left to the services of a professional print studio – doing-it-yourself had obvious limitations when it came to large-scale production and distribution.

What factors govern the procurement and use of silcrete during the Stone Age of South Africa?

Fluctuations in the frequency of silcrete in lithic assemblages have been an important focus of Stone Age research in southern Africa. Here, we review temporal and spatial variation in silcrete abundance during the LSA and MSA of southern Africa and discuss mechanisms that might drive the differential acquisition and treatment of this raw material. Previous research has proposed a variety of explanations that include non-behavioural factors (sea level changes, climatic and environmental driving forces) and various behavioural determinants that range from functional constraints and economic considerations to socio-cultural preferences. In order to test these explanations and provide a systematic spatio-temporal overview of silcrete use, we performed a meta-analysis by collecting a database on silcrete abundance from a total of 25 Stone Age sites that encompass >200 assemblages. Quantitative statistical analyses of this database reveal significant variation in silcrete prevalence among and between sites. The main temporal trajectory conforms to a bimodal pattern that features peak frequencies in MIS 4 & 3 as well as MIS 1. The results also demonstrate a significant association between silcrete abundance and technocomplexes with particularly high values for the Howiesons Poort, “post-HP” and Wilton, but not the Still Bay. Silcrete abundance is significantly correlated with the production of tools in general, and the manufacture of microlithic or backed artefacts in particular, suggesting an influence of functional considerations and potentially cultural preferences. In contrast, we found little support for the dependence of silcrete use on purely economic grounds such as procurement costs or a strong impact of non-behavioural factors such as changes in sea level or environmental circumstances. By operating on a large spatio-temporal scale with aggregated data, the results of this study can help to embed the acquisition and treatment of silcrete by Stone Age people in a wider behavioural and evolutionary framework.