A Trial PIXE/PIGME analysis of Pre-Islamic Arabian Coinage

Eight previously published (1) pre-Islamic coins minted in Arabia were subjected to non-destructive ion beam analysis by Proton Induced X-Ray (PIXE) and Gamma-Ray Emission (PIGME) at Lucas Heights. The results (2) were interpreted using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The relative X-ray intensities of fifteen elements, supplemented with additional L alpha lines for two of the elements, were extracted for this analysis. PCA (results appended) was first carried out on the whole dataset where the distinctive high iron and nickel composition of two coins (331 and 335) resulted in their position as outliers. A second analysis of the subset of silver coins showed the compositional similarity between four coins (44, 222, 226, 359) and distinguished two separate outliers. One of these (369) has a high lead and tin content while the other (354) has a greater proportion of elements present as impurities (?) including iron and nickel. The two outliers and the relatively homogenous compositions of the group of four coins suggest that three compositional types of silver coinage are represented in the dataset: 1. a relatively silver-rich group of four coins; 2. silver coins debased with lead; and 3. silver coins debased with iron and nickel.     

Editorial Introduction 35(1)

In recent decades many anthropological studies have suggested new approaches to conversion in order to grasp the connections between local Christianities and modernities. However, the relationship between conversion in indigenous societies and modernity remains problematic. The notion of transformation is often used as an ideological concept, which gives little information on the nature of the process of conversion, which is organized by complex processes of transitions and continuities. A better understanding of the various forms of indigenous Christianity is crucial to the development of an anthropology of Christianity.     

Editorial Introduction

Franz Boas defined anthropology over a century ago as a four-field discipline in danger of fragmentation. It has endured with stresses and strains by maintaining many integrative ties among the sub-disciplines. Vibrant links indicate that a healthy endeavor remains among anthropologists dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach. Little and Kennedy suggest that the story can be told by the histories of individuals, institutions, ideas, and traditions. However, they focus on individuals and institutions and seldom consider the histories of ideas, leading them to omit significant events. Fagan describes the origins of archaeology more thoroughly and situates individuals within the larger context.     

Editorial Introduction 39(2): Beginnings,Endings, Transformations

Jack Goody. Cooking, Cuisine and Class. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982, ix. 253 pp. $9.95, (paper).     

Editorial Introduction 40(2): Debating the Biology,Archaeology, Language,and Gender of Human-Made Nuclear Disaster

Fedigan. Linda Marie. Primate Paradigms: Sex Roles and Social Bonds. Montreal, Canada: Eden Press, 1982. vi + 386 pp.