Small things in perspective: the contribution of our blind tests to micro-residue studies on archaeological stone tools

Our blind tests are distinctive for they were conducted on replicated stone tools used for a variety of tasks that included the processing of animal remains and plants. The analyst was required to differentiate an array of residues from microscopic morphological characteristics, using light microscopy. The original aim of our first tests was to assess the analyst's ability to identify a variety of plant and animal residues, but issues and problems that arose during the testing process made it clear that greater value might be gained from the lessons that we learnt about methodology and the direction for future micro-residue research. We show that problems identified during our first tests stimulated research. Amongst other things, we learnt to distinguish plant and animal remains more confidently than previously. Our residue analyses are firmly embedded in wider archaeological research and our tests help to explain why there are sometimes contradictions between the evidence from archaeologically recovered remains and residues on stone tools. A further outcome of the tests is that we have adopted a multi-stranded approach that provides a cautious, but secure strategy for identifying and interpreting use-residues. Our studies of contaminants through replications have also been invaluable for distinguishing incidental residues from use-related residues.     

A technological study of ancient faience from Egypt

The chemical compositions and microstructures of some 35 faience objects from Egypt spanning the period from the Middle Kingdom through to the 22nd dynasty are determined using analytical scanning electron microscopy. Replicate faience beads glazed in the laboratory using the efflorescence and cementation methods are similarly investigated. In efflorescence glazing, there appears to be preferential efflorescence of soda over potash, and in cementation glazing, preferential take up of potash over soda into the glaze. These data are then used to try to infer the raw materials and methods of glazing employed in the production of the ancient faience. The glaze/glass phases present in the faience differ significantly in composition from that of New Kingdom glass. This could be due either to the use of different plant ashes or to changes in the composition of the plant ashes during the production of faience and/or glass. Although it is only rarely possible to determine with certainty whether ancient faience was glazed by efflorescence, cementation or application, the observed microstructures provide an indication of the approach adopted to achieve desired performance characteristics such as strength.     

2003年河南新乡市火电厂墓地发掘简报

2003～2004年,新乡市文物考古研究所发掘了新乡市火电厂251座战国晚期至西汉晚期墓葬,出土一批精美的彩绘陶器、大型铁制生活用品、铜器等遗物.根据墓葬形制和随葬品组合,将墓地分为五期,从战国晚期至西汉晚期,为研究中原战国至汉代文化提供了珍贵的实物资料.     

In a nutshell: the identification and archaeological application of experimentally defined correlates of Macrozamia seed processing

This paper describes the methods and results of ethnographically-based replicative seed processing experiments conducted on Australian Macrozamia moorei seeds. Archaeological evidence indicates that these seeds were consumed by Australian hunter–gatherers in both the Pleistocene and Holocene. The experiments identified three features indicative of human processing and tested the effect of different processing variables (striking position, indentor type, thermal modification and presence of outer flesh) on the frequency of these diagnostic criteria. The results demonstrate that it is possible to use the physical modifications on individual seed specimens to identify the anthropogenic fracture of seeds and specific methods used to process them. These criteria were used in the analysis of M. moorei seeds from mid-Holocene-aged archaeological sites in central Queensland, Australia. The results indicate that seeds with and without sarcotesta were processed using a wooden indentor via side striking techniques.     

Plant processing strategies and their affect upon starch grain survival when rendering Peltandra virginica (L.) Kunth,Araceae edible

There is a long history of human interaction with plants of the Aroideae subfamily (Araceae). Despite these plants' chemical defenses against animal and vegetal predation, humans have targeted their starchy corms, tubers and rhizomes for dietary purposes. In the Eastern Woodlands of North America, early Europeans described the Native population as utilizing the highly acridic Peltandra virginica (arrow arum) for subsistence needs. In order to render this resource edible, however, the acridic principle first needs to be eliminated. Our study investigates the affect these processing activities have on the integrity of arrow arum starch grains. Findings from this study demonstrate that environmental variables specific to individual processing procedures may be more influential on starch grain survival than simply the temperatures reached during cooking.     

The plant landscape of the imperial harbour of Rome

The research concerns the Tiber delta area, about 3 km far from the present seacoast, where the remains of the ancient harbour of Rome are located. In 42 AD, Claudius started the construction of the harbour and Nero completed it in 64 AD. Then, the emperor Trajan went on to add a hexagonal basin to the former structure, which had gradually silted up. The imperial harbour was connected to the Tiber River and ultimately to the city of Rome through the Trajan channel. During the imperial period, most of the supplies imported from the Mediterranean provinces reached the city of Rome through Portus.     

丝绸纺织品传统染色工艺的色度学研究

本研究在对传统染色方法染色丝绸色度测定的基础上,尝试对其色度参数所隐含的规律进行解释和说明,以达到对传统染色方法有更好的理解和应用。为此使用传统染色方法对丝织品染色,应用无损色度学分析技术,测量染色后的丝绸纺织品的色度参数。利用RGB、XYZ、Lab和LCh色度参数,分析了传统染色工艺的色度参数的分布范围和分布规律以及染色工艺对色度参数的影响。特别观察到了R-G、X-Y参数都存在线性相关的关系,C-L数值存在近似线性关系;植物染料对丝绸染色的a-b参数存在一个大致的范围;多次染色使RGB参数下降,L值下降;套染效果基本符合颜色加法;媒染剂的光谱图主要受染料影响,丝绸材质对染色结果几乎没有影响。建立了简单染色模型,利用\"亮度显色因子\"和\"彩度显色因子\"的概念,解释了C-L参数的近似线性相关关系,以及L参数随染色次数增加而递增和递减的现象。本研究的成果对于未来进一步深入研究与丝绸纺织品的文物保护和修复相关的色彩还原、配色等问题奠定了实验基础。     

对大型土遗址的植物病害研究——以西安阿房宫遗址为例

在植物对土遗址作用的研究中,鲜有就真实的遗址来展开调查,以及讨论植物给土遗址带来的负作用及其机理。为此,本研究选取西安地区大型土遗址秦阿房宫为研究对象,利用现场调查结合样带法、图像分析法并采集土样,开展对遗址区植物分布、根系产生的裂隙和土壤环境的研究。结果表明:造成土遗址病害现象的主要原因为植物根系作用,加之雨蚀、风化作用及人为破坏的叠加作用,使遗址保存面临严重威胁;其中酸枣、臭椿等萌生树种所产生的根劈裂隙及植物根系对土壤环境的影响十分明显。现存土遗址由植物以及风雨作用而引发的主要病害,其类型包含了边缘夯土的基础掏蚀、洞穴遗存、开裂坍塌、冲沟发育、表面剥蚀,这些是阿房宫遗址面临的主要威胁,也是半干旱地区土遗址存在的特有问题。研究结果既有助于揭示植被对土遗址的作用机理,又能为土遗址保护的植物选择提供理论依据和技术支撑。     

广西左江流域植物资源合理开发利用探讨

左江流域植物资源丰富,根据国内外市场的需求,目前应重点开发利用饮料、香料、食用色素、纤维、药用等方面的植物资源。引种驯化利用价值高的野生植物、采用现代生物技术、建立生产基地、建立边境绿化植物带等都是开发左江流域植物资源的有效措施。植物资源的合理开发利用,有利于本流域经济的发展和生态环境的改善。     

Using plant microfossils from dental calculus to recover human diet: a case study from Tell al-Raqā'i,Syria

Dietary reconstructions based on plant microfossils, such as starch grains and phytoliths, have been useful in increasing our understanding of past human populations. Microfossils have been recovered from sediments, stone tools, and, more recently, dental calculus. Methods for recovering microfossils from dental calculus have yet to be firmly established and there is some question about potential damage to the teeth. Using a sample of teeth from the middle Holocene site of Tell al-Raqā'i, Syria, we tested using a dental pick to sample the calculus. ESEM images taken before and after sampling show no damage to the enamel surface, and examination of the recovered microfossils show that this method provides ample material for study, even when not all of the calculus is removed from the tooth. Preliminary identification of the plant microfossils suggests that these individuals were consuming a variety of plant foods, but that domesticated cereals such as wheat and barley made up a surprisingly small portion of their diet.