Geochemical Characterization of Bolivian Formative Earthen Architecture by Wavelength‐Dispersive X‐ray Fluorescence

Abstract

In this study, we employ wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) to characterize construction materials from Formative civic architecture (1000 B.C.E.–C.E. 400), ethnographic mudbricks, and off‐site controls from the Taraco Peninsula, Bolivia. The preparation of earthen construction materials for civic buildings can shed light on aspects of community development such as labor organization, resource management, and architectural technologies. We apply geochemical results to reconstructing how public buildings were made as communities moved toward socio‐political complexity in this region. However, there are few geochemical studies in the Andes, and little prior scientific analysis of earthen architecture. We therefore tested the efficacy of WDXRF for this region, and developed control materials. Our archaeological samples were selected from two Formative villages, Chiripa and Kala Uyuni. In this study, we performed WDXRF analyses on 63 archaeological and control samples including archaeological floors, walling, plasters, and mortars, as well as contemporary ethnographic walling and topsoils. Elemental signatures for 28 elements clearly distinguished the archaeological flooring, walling, plaster, and mortars from ethnographic and off‐site controls. More subtle variations were detected that distinguish study sites and the different material types. Laboratory‐calibrated multi‐element XRF effectively supports efforts to reconstruct the pathways to social complexity in the Titicaca Basin.

Characterization of rammed‐earth materials from the XVIth century Badii Palace in Marrakech, Morocco to ensure authentic and reliable restoration

“…The only drawback of these constructions is the limited durability of the material against the aggressive action exerted by external agents (rain, capillary rise, erosion due to anthropogenic action) that makes it necessary for constant maintenance (Avrami, Guillaud, & Hardy, 2008;Guettala, Abibsi, & Houari, 2006;Love, 2012). The choice of suitable materials for maintenance and conservation should be based on the knowledge gained from study of the traditional building techniques together with new experimentation (Fichera et al, 2015;Goodman-Elgar, Bettencourt, & Conrey, 2015).…”

Gendered Places and Depositional Histories: Reconstructing a Menstrual Lodge in the Interior Northwest

“…We contend that the sandy, red-colored Stratum E was fired elsewhere, brought to Feature 2, and deposited over the structure's floor. Properties such as color, texture, and consistency are physical qualities that inform the choices people make in selecting and utilizing sediment and may be representative of meaningful qualitative experiences (Goodman Elgar et al 2015; Kidder and Sherwood 2016; Sillar and Tite 2000). The color red is frequently seen as a potent color with blood-like symbolic associations (DeBoer 2005; Gage 1999; Jones and MacGregor 2002; Ray 1939:55).…”