Theme:
2. Archaeological Sciences, Humanities and the Digital era: Bridging the Gaps
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
From Lab to Field, from Vertical to Horizontal. New Approaches to the Use of Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) in Archaeology
Content:
Geochemical analysis of different environmental matrices has grown in popularity in recent decades, becoming a common practice in archaeological projects; the enrichment or depletion of specific elements in soil and sediments, their spatial distribution and statistical treatment have been used as a “chemical fingerprint”, with possible correlations with differing past human activities. Among the techniques available, portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) has gained popularity for its affordability, flexibility and non–destructive nature. In addition, pXRF analyzers are now very easy-to use and this has taken geochemical analysis out of the lab and into the field, transforming archaeological sites and landscapes into primary locations for scientific enquiry. With this comes new challenges, especially with the ease of obtaining geochemical data for sophisticated and complex problems that include environmental, geological, archaeological and epistemological/training concerns. This means that the opportunity for the inappropriate use of geochemical analysis is now greater than ever before, highlighting the need for guidance and accepted protocols across the discipline and wider profession.
Following the ongoing scientific debate, this session invites contributions discussing the use and results achieved by application of pXRF within archaeological projects. A special focus will be posed on how the techniques can address:
1-archaeological issues (i.e. identifying functions of spaces within an archaeological site or human presence within historical landscape; identifying production cycles, particularly related to mining and metallurgical activities; analysing geoarchaeological contexts).
2-methods and protocols of use (i.e. define limits and contexts of use; outline protocols on site and landscape scale; define possible integration between pXRF and others analytical methods).
3-success and good practices (i.e. how and where a pXRF analytical approach, alone or in combination with other techniques, has made the difference in understanding an archaeological context, both in research projects and for professional archaeology).
We welcome examples from different geographical and historical contexts.
Keywords:
pXRF, geochemistry, landscape archaeology, excavation, environment
Session associated with MERC:
yes
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:
Main organiser:
Luisa Dallai (Italy) 1
Co-organisers:
Vanessa Volpi (Italy) 1
Roger Doonan (United Kingdom) 2
Rebecca Cannell (Norway) 3
Affiliations:
1. University of Siena
2. Archaeological Research Services LTD
3. Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research
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