Current genetic methods enable highly specific identification of DNA from modern fish bone. The applicability of these methods to the identification of archaeological fish bone was investigated through a study of a sample from late Holocene southeast Queensland sites. The resultant overall success rate of 2% indicates that DNA analysis is, as yet, not feasible for identifying fish bone from any given site. Taphonomic issues influencing the potential of genetic identification methods are raised and discussed in light of this result.
Micro-Raman spectroscopy was applied to the study of multiple layered wall paints from the Rosalila temple, Copan, Honduras, which dates to the Middle Classic period (A.D. 520 to 655). Samples of red, green and grey paint and a thick white overcoating were analysed. The paint pigments have been identified as hematite, celadonite or green earth and a combined carbon/mica mixture. By combining Raman spectroscopy with micro-ATR infrared spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), a detailed study has been made of the materials and processes used to make the stucco and paints. The use of green earth as a green pigment on Maya buildings has not been reported before. The combination of carbon and muscovite mica to create a reflective paint is also a novel finding.
The Moreton Region Archaeological Project (MRAP) was initiated as a long-term multi-stage regional project which sought to coordinate archaeological investigations being undertaken in S.E. Queensland. Since the project officially began in 1977 (see Hall 1980a), it has been successful in directing and integrating the work of numerous researchers, most of whom were students at the University of Queensland. MRAP is designed as a flexible research program comprised of three areal components (subcoastal zone, coastal zone and offshore island zone) and a number of stages. Stage I sought to identify the archaeological record of the study area and, through excavation and surface collection of materials from selected sites in all zones, develop a regional chronology and to identify patterns and questions relevant to the reconstruction of past settlement-subsistence patterns. This work was satisfactorily completed in 1987 and Stage II research, which essentially concerns the delineation and explanation of perceived changes in the region's archaeological record, has now been initiated. Thus, this paper, after setting the stage with a description of the environment and ethnohistory of the study area, summarizes the results of Stage I research and follows with a discussion of the objectives, methods, questions and approaches relevant to Stage II.
A combination of micro‐Raman spectroscopy, micro‐infrared spectroscopy and SEM–EDX was employed to characterize decorative pigments on Classic Maya ceramics from Copán, Honduras. Variation in red paint mixtures was correlated with changing ceramic types and improvements in process and firing techniques. We have confirmed the use of specular hematite on Coner ceramics by the difference in intensities of Raman bands. Different compositions of brown paint were correlated with imported and local wares. The carbon‐iron composition of the ceramic type, Surlo Brown, was confirmed. By combining micro‐Raman analysis with micro‐ATR infrared and SEM–EDX, we have achieved a more comprehensive characterization of the paint mixtures. These spectroscopic techniques can be used non‐destructively on raw samples as a rapid confirmation of ceramic type.
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