Precise radiocarbon dating of charred materials on potsherds by means of their characterization

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1. Stable isotope research of charred materials on potsherdsMost of charred materials on potsherds showed typical land source, about -26 per mil of delta-13C value. Such sample was in good agreement with archaeological observation. Samples with higher delta-13C value might be affected by marine source of a low C/N ratio and fractionated delta-15N. Few sample showed much higher delta-13C value with coincide radiocarbon date, indicating that the charred material was derived from C4 plant such as millet.2. Radiocarbon dating of charred material on potsherds excavated in northern part of Japanese archipelagoSamples excavated in Hokkaido Island and northern Tohoku region often show moderate delta-13C value (ca. -24 per mil) and high C/N ratio with older radiocarbon age than expected. Marine mammals cannot be the source of such charred material, while usage of fossil fuel, peat for instance, might be likely.3. Characterization of charred materialGC-MS and FT-IR measurement were carried out on charred materials, however these were not successful. The extraction of volatiles from sample and chemical pretreatment should be improved. On the other hand, stable isotope measurement will be a good tool for estimation of the source of charred materials on pottery.