NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS OF ROMAN AFRICAN RED SLIP WARE KILNS

Roman African Red Slip ware (ARS) sherds from four ARS kiln sites in modern-day Tunisia (El Mahrine, El Ala, Oudna and Pheradi Maius) have been analysed using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Multivariate statistical methods (including cluster analysis and Manhattan City Block distances), with a dilution correction applied to the data, were used to interpret the concentration data. Reference groups for each of the four kiln sites were established. Both El Mahrine and Oudna were described by two dilution-related groups. These kiln groups were all shown to be compositionally distinct from each other and suitable for use in provenance studies.     

PROVENANCE STUDIES OF ROMAN AFRICAN RED SLIP WARE USING NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

African Red Slip ware (ARS) from Carthage and San Sisto Vecchio (Rome) was analysed by neutron activation analysis. The Carthage tableware was linked with Oudna and the type 1 lamps were probably from a northern ARS/lamp factory other than the sources currently investigated. Two samples were central Tunisian, probably manufactured at El Ala. The San Sisto samples divided into three groups and three outliers of undetermined provenance. Group 1 was central Tunisian, probably from El Ala, and was composed entirely of terra sigillata chiara C forms. Group 2 was of unknown origin within northern Tunisia. Group 3 was the largest subset and most of its constituent samples were associated with El Mahrine. Additionally, four samples were linked with Oudna.     

ANALYSIS OF COPPER-BASED METALLIC ARTIFACTS BY PROMPT GAMMA-RAY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

Non-destructive analysis of the major elements in copper-alloyed artifacts by prompt gamma neutron activation analysis is reported. Copper, zinc, tin and lead were measured in several ancient Roman, Greek and Iranian objects. Good agreement was found in comparison with analysis of similar objects by destructive methods.     

TRACE ELEMENT CONTENT OF ROMAN LEAD BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

The trace element contents of 13 lead pigs and 20 water pipes, all of Roman origin, were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The contents of Cu, As, Ag, Sn, Sb, and Au were determined with an experimental reproducibility of ±7%; the analytical values are given for all samples. The results are discussed with respect to the homogeneity of samples, the difference between pipes and pigs, the difference between bulk and joint material in pipes, and the possible correlation of the trace element contents with the place of origin.     

NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS OF FAIENCE BEADS

A selection of faience beads has been examined using neutron activation analysis, with a view to distinguishing the provenance of individual specimens. Evidence is presented that the tin content in beads from British sites is significantly higher than in those from other areas. Characteristic features of beads from other sources are also discussed.     

PERSPECTIVES ON THE DATING OF PREHISTORIC GREAT BASIN PETROGLYPHS BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

The possible relative dating of petroglyphs by nuclear measurements on desert varnish is explored. The abundances of 30 major and trace elements in desert varnish samples from the Grimes Point petroglyph site in western Nevada were measured by neutron activation analysis techniques. Samples of both desert varnish and heart rock from a non-artifactual test boulder of andesite were studied and the elements tungsten, arsenic, antimony, thorium, uranium, manganese and cerium exhibited the greatest enrichments in the surface samples and may be of use for dating purposes.     

NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS OF PREHISTORIC FLINT MINE PRODUCTS

Specimens of flint from English and Continentai prehistoric factory/mine sites have been analysed using neutron activation and element compositions compared. The possible use of element concentration patterns as a means of characterising such sites is discussed.     

ACKNOWLEDGING FIFTY YEARS OF NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS IN ARCHAEOLOGY

Neutron activation analysis has been an important analytical technique for chemical characterization studies of archaeological materials since 1957, and remains one of the best analytical approaches for bulk chemical characterization of archaeological ceramics and other materials. This paper introduces a series of reports that document the history of NAA applied to archaeological materials.