Theme:
1. The Material Record: Current Trends and Future Directions
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
Plaster a Multipurpose Material for Binding Knowledge
Content:
Plasters have played an important role from the palaeolithic until recent history. The choice of raw materials and applications depended on many factors: traditions, know-how, and resources offered by the environment of the respective era. Their study can give insight into the technology used during different chronological periods. This session explores how new interpretive frameworks and emerging techniques on architectural plasters, plaster objects and plaster ware have increased our knowledge. The session seeks to improve awareness of how plaster technology developed and how plaster was used in various periods and regions. Plaster has been studied using a wide range of technologies, including petrographic analysis (optical microscopy), mineralogical analysis with X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Thermal Analysis (DTA-TG), pXRF, ED-XRF, Raman Spectroscopy, SEM/EDS, GC-MS, FTIR-ATR. Using these archaeometric techniques, we can identify the characteristics of different materials and recipes (binders, aggregates, additives). Plaster production has also been studied experimentally and by studying ethnographic sources and ancient texts. There are many sources for plaster. Not all comprehendible for all. Therefore, it is essential when we study plasters to look for multi-disciplinary approaches, share knowledge with peers, and create cross-links between studied periods, regions, and disciplines. Hence, we invite archaeologists, historians, engineers and researchers of other disciplines to present and compare their studies from all prehistoric and historic periods. We welcome contributions considering all aspects of technology, cultural traditions, raw materials and applications surrounding plaster. Papers may include, but are not restricted to:
Materials science methodologies and new approaches
Experimental archaeology
When and where plaster emerged in different areas.
Raw materials and provenance studies
Plaster recipes and identification of plasters
The role of plaster and mortar within architecture (roof, floor, and wall plasters, cisterns/reservoirs/bins)
Plaster for producing portable objects and plaster ware;
The socio-economic role of plaster technology;
Development of Pyrotechnology
Keywords:
Plaster, Geoarchaeology, Archaeometry, Gypsum, Limestone, Material culture
Session associated with MERC:
no
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:
Bonnie Nilhamn (Finland) 1
Co-organisers:
Archontoula Barouda (United Kingdom) 2
Affiliations:
1. Helsinki University
2. UCL Institute of Archaeology
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