Center for Archaeometric Research at the University of Missouri

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Dr. Glascock will establish an archaeometric center at the University of Missouri and employ the technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to analyze the elemental composition of archaeological materials. INAA is a multielemental technique which allows the major, minor and trace elements of a material to be determined simultaneously and with considerable accuracy and precision. A sample is not destroyed by INAA and, as a result, the analysis can be repeated or different analytical techniques can be applied to the same sample. For valuable archaeological objects, this is an important consideration. Of particular interest are potential analyses of ceramics, lithics, metal and bone. Dr. Glascock will announce the availability of the facility to the anthropological community and establish a national review committee to evaluate the importance of samples submitted for analysis. Through elemental analysis of archaeological materials, a number of significant kinds of questions can be addressed. INAA provides a taxonomic tool because it allows materials of similar composition to be grouped together. In some instances, it also permits the proveniencing of artifacts and thus may provide information about procurement practices, routes of trade and political boundaries. It may also improve understanding of ancient technologies and (through analysis of skeletal remains) give insight into prehistoric diet and nutrition. This project is particularly important because the two laboratories, which for many years have provided this service to archaeologists, have recently shifted their foci elsewhere. The University of Missouri center will fill an important gap and make its services available on a nationwide basis.