scholarly journals The ceramic artifacts in archaeological black earth (terra preta) from Lower Amazon Region, Brazil: chemistry and geochemical evolution

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcondes Lima da Costa ◽  
Dirse Clara Kern ◽  
Alice Helena Eleotério Pinto ◽  
Jorge Raimundo da Trindade Souza
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Amazon Region ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Geochemical Evolution ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Rock Fragments ◽  
Terra Preta ◽  
Archaeological Ceramic ◽  
High Silica

This paper carried out a chemical investigation of archaeological ceramic artifacts found in archaeological sites with Black Earth (ABE) in the Lower Amazon Region at Cachoeira-Porteira, State of Pará, Brazil. The ceramic artifacts, mostly of daily use, belong to Konduri culture (from 900 to 400 years BP). They are constituted of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Na2O and P2O5; SiO2 and Al2O3 together add up to 80 % and indicate influence of acid rocks, transformed into clay minerals basically kaolinite. The relative high contents of P2O5 (2.37 % in average) come out as (Al,Fe)-phosphate, an uncommon fact in primitive red ceramics, but found in some roman and egyptian archaeological sites. The contents of the trace elements are similar or below the Earth's crust average. This chemical composition (except P2O5) detaches saprolite material derived acid igneous rocks or sedimentary ones as the main raw material of the ceramics. The contents of K, Na and Ca represent the feldspars and rock fragments possibly introduced into saprolitic groundmass, indicated by mineralogical studies. The presence of cauixi and cariapé as well as quartz sand was confirmed by optical microscope, SEM analyses and by the high silica contents of ceramic fragments. Phosphorus was possibly incorporated into groundmass during cooking of foods, and ABE soil profile formation developed on yellow Latosols. The raw materials and its tempers (cauixi, or cariapé, feldspar, crushed rocks, old ceramic artifacts and quartz fragments) are found close to the sites and therefore and certainly came from them.

Petrography

2016 ◽  
pp. 232-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Degryse ◽  
Dennis Braekmans
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Rock Fragments ◽  
Historical Materials ◽  
Fabric Analysis ◽  
Trade And Exchange ◽  
Indispensable Tool ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Ceramic Petrography ◽  
Material Provenance

Petrography has developed into an indispensable tool for ceramic fabric analysis, specifically studying the mineralogical and textural composition of ceramic objects. Petrography is a technique commonly used in geology to describe and classify rocks. Ceramic petrography studies clay-based archaeological or historical materials. Using a polarizing light microscope (PLM) in ceramic studies, the different raw materials used to make a ceramic object can be identified, ranging from clays and other minerals to rock fragments and inorganic or organic temper. The technique moreover feeds into the study of raw material provenance and origin, and is able to discern the different technological procedures followed to make the ceramic object (from shaping to firing), next to providing clues on the function of the object. This information not only helps reconstruct trade and exchange of raw materials and ceramics, but aids in reconstructing society behind the pot.

scholarly journals The ceramic artifacts in archaeological black earth (terra preta) from lower Amazon region, Brazil: mineralogy

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcondes Lima da Costa ◽  
Dirse Clara Kern ◽  
Alice Helena Eleotério Pinto ◽  
Jorge Raimundo da Trindade Souza
Keyword(s):  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Mineralogical Composition ◽  
Chemical Study ◽  
Amazon Region ◽  
Equivalent Material ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Rock Fragments ◽  
Clayey Material ◽  
Terra Preta ◽  
Low Crystalline

Several archaeological black earth (ABE) sites occur in the Amazon region. They contain fragments of ceramic artifacts, which are very important for the archaeological purpose. In order to improve the archaeological study in the region we carried out a detailed mineralogical and chemical study of the fragments of ceramic artifacts found in the two ABE sites of Cachoeira-Porteira, in the Lower Amazon Region. Their ceramics comprise the following tempers: cauixi, cariapé, sand, sand +feldspars, crushed ceramic and so on and are composed of quartz, clay equivalent material (mainly burned kaolinite), feldspars, hematite, goethite, maghemite, phosphates, anatase, and minerals of Mn and Ba. Cauixi and cariapé, siliceous organic compounds, were found too. The mineralogical composition and the morphology of their grains indicate a saprolite (clayey material rich on quartz) derived from fine-grained felsic igneous rocks or sedimentary rocks as source material for ceramic artifacts, where silica-rich components such cauixi, cariapé and/or sand (feldspar and rock fragments) were intentionally added to them. The high content of (Al,Fe)-phosphates, amorphous to low crystalline, must be product of the contact between the clayey matrix of pottery wall and the hot aqueous solution formed during the daily cooking of animal foods (main source of phosphor). The phosphate crystallization took place during the discharge of the potteries put together with waste of organic material from animal and vegetal origin, and leaving to the formation of the ABE-soil profile.

scholarly journals Technology of Dvaravati Pottery: A View from Petrographic Analysis.

2012 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duangkamol Aussavamas
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Petrographic Analysis ◽  
Material Distribution ◽  
Material Source ◽  
Period Analysis ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Central Thailand

This study focuses on the examination of aspects of the carinated pottery of the Dvaravati period. This type of pottery is one of the most prominent types found in a large number of Dvaravati sites in Thailand. Samples used for this study were collected from excavations at archaeological sites located in several regions of Thailand including Northern, Northeastern and Central Thailand. The carinated potteries were analyzed using petrographic analysis. The objective of this work was to examine the pottery fabric. This method is used to establish sources of raw materials, and whether production techniques, decorations, and firing temperature show patterns associated with the raw material source distributions. It is also possible to reconstruct the production technology of the vessels. Knowing the source of raw materials (source of clay and temper) and understanding the patterns of manufacturing and decorative processes help better understand material distribution patterns of the Dvaravati period. Analysis shows that Dvaravati earthenware pottery raw materials include both primary and secondary clays, and that temper used was both organic matter (rice chaff) and grogs (fired clay mixed with iron oxide). Evidence for wheel-thrown production was associated with all decoration styles, and finishing techniques included plain, polishing, incising, cord marking, red slip and black burnishing. The firing temperatures were as low as 400-550° C. These samples indicate there was general homogeneity over a wide area, but also the presence of regional groups of pottery. This suggests the widespread circulation of pottery styles among various production centers during the Dvaravati period.

scholarly journals The exploitation of obsidian in the Central Plateau of Santa Cruz, Argentina: Results from La María and Cerro Tres Tetas and a regional perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Enrique Cueto ◽  
Ariel David Frank ◽  
Fabiana Skarbun
Keyword(s):  
Late Holocene ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Santa Cruz ◽  
Central Plateau ◽  
Argentine Patagonia ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Historical Times ◽  
Obsidian Source

La María and Cerro Tres Tetas archaeological localities are located in the Central Plateau, in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia. This area presents abundant lithic raw materials of very good quality for knapping including flint, chalcedony and silicified wood. These raw materials were used by the inhabitants of the region since the end of the Pleistocene until recent historical times. Besides, we have recorded the exploitation of exotic stones in low proportions at the archaeological sites. Among these, the most abundant is obsidian which probably comes from sources located more than125 kmaway. In this context, the use of this type of raw material should be evaluated in terms of social and symbolic issues.In this paper, we examine the strategies of acquisition and reduction of the obsidian found at the archaeological sites Cerro Tres Tetas 1, Casa del Minero 1, Cueva de La Ventana, La Mesada and Cueva Túnel. We carry out a technomorphological analysis of the obsidian remains from these sites.Results from this work strengthen the idea that the groups which lived in the Central Plateau knew about and exploited an obsidian source known as Pampa del Asador. A raise in the use of this raw material throughout time is recorded, reaching its peak in the late Holocene. We identified two different moments in the exploitation of obsidian at the regional level. During the final Pleistocene and early Holocene, obsidian would not have played a relevant role in the organization of technology. Production sequences indicate that tools probably were entered to the sites already manufactured. During the middle and late Holocene nodules and cores could have been brought into the sites. The strategies involved in their reduction are in broad terms similar to those implemented with local raw materials; there is no evidence that obsidian had more value in any way. On the other hand, it is also not possible to state that there was just an eventual exploitation of this raw material. We believe that obsidian was acquired during mobility circuits which enabled the contact between different groups.

scholarly journals Using Debitage Analysis to Investigate an Alberta Archaeological Site

COMPASS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Hallson
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Late Prehistoric ◽  
Aggregate Analysis ◽  
New Information ◽  
Lithic Artifacts ◽  
Field Schools

Ahai Mneh (FiPp-33) is a significant pre-contact archaeological site in Alberta. Located west of Edmonton on Lake Wabamun, this site contains material from the Early Prehistoric right up until Late Prehistoric pre-contact times. Ninety-five percent of the lithic artifacts collected are pieces of debitage. Aggregate analysis is a method of examining the whole of the debitage collection, rather than analysing singular pieces. This method is more time efficient, less subject to bias, replicable, and is used often, and successfully, at archaeological sites with immense quantities of debitage. Here I use aggregate analysis to examine the debitage assemblage from two field schools at Ahai Mneh. I investigate various characteristics such as size, raw material type, cortex amount, and number of dorsal scars. I argue that this method is successful, as it provided new information on where people were acquiring raw materials, as well as what types of flintknapping occurred at this site. These analyses resulted in the determination of a focus on local raw material, yet this material was being brought to the site as prepared cores or blanks, rather than complete unaltered cores. Tool production was the focus at this site, and this trend continued throughout time.

Staining Natural Rubber with Silver Nitrate for Electron Microscopy

1977 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 835-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. Smith ◽  
V. L. Folt
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
World War Ii ◽  
Natural Rubber ◽  
Silver Nitrate ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Natural Rubber Latex ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
World War ◽  
The One

Abstract Hevea brasiliensis or natural rubber (NR) has been used for over 500 years. Until World War II, it was the basic raw material of the rubber industry. Since that time, the use of synthetic polymers has steadily increased, but the importance of NR has not diminished. In fact, the future for the natural product is very promising since it is the one polymer that is obtainable without depleting fossil fuel raw materials. Natural rubber latex has been extensively studied by a variety of methods, especially the microscope. All of the early work with NR latex was conducted, of course, with the optical microscope. In the late 1940's the electron microscope began to be used, but at that time synthetic rubbers began to demand attention, and work on NR latex diminished. Perhaps investigators felt they knew all there was to know about the microscopical characteristics of this material. Indeed, some very fine work had been done and keen observations made with optical microscopes that could not even resolve all of the particles in a latex material. This paper deals with the electron microscopy of natural rubber latexes with particular attention to the proteinaceous layer on the particle and the fate of particles during varying stages of mastication. The critical technique used was to stain the proteinaceous layer of the latex particle with silver nitrate.

scholarly journals The Effect of Raw Material on the Identification of Knapping Skill: a Case Study from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Proffitt ◽  
A. Bargalló ◽  
I. de la Torre
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Olduvai Gorge ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Early Stone Age ◽  
Apparent Variation ◽  
Raw Material Variability

AbstractThe identification of Oldowan hominin knapping skill levels has been a focus of numerous studies, with apparent variation in technical abilities identified between a number of Early Stone Age archaeological sites. Raw material variability, however, can play a significant role in the outcomes of knapping events as well as in the accuracy of analysis. Implications of such variability are yet to be fully understood. Here we present an experimental study to assess the effects that varying raw materials have on the identification of technological attributes typically associated with varying skill levels and whether it is possible to identify knapper skill levels across multiple raw materials. Variation was tested between raw materials from Olduvai Gorge across and between skill levels. The results suggest that knapping skill levels manifest differently in the material record across raw materials. In addition, we suggest that raw material has a significant effect on identifying knapper skill variation. This has implications for future research concerned with identifying knapper skill within and between early assemblages of differing raw materials.

scholarly journals A database of lapidary artifacts in the Caribbean for the Ceramic Age

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Queffelec ◽  
Pierrick Fouéré ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Caverne
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Lesser Antilles ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Caribbean Islands ◽  
Ceramic Age ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
Materials Used

Lapidary artifacts show an impressive abundance and diversity during the Ceramic period in the Caribbean islands, especially at the beginning of this period. Most of the raw materials used in this production do not exist naturally on the islands of the Lesser Antilles, nevertheless, many archaeological sites have yielded such artifacts on these islands. In the framework of a four-years-long project, we created a database by combining first hand observations and analysis, as well as a thorough literature survey. The result is a database including more than 100 sites and almost 5000 beads, pendants, blanks and raw material fragments.

Use of industrial kaolin waste from the Brazilian Amazon region for synthesis of zeolite A

Clay Minerals ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. B. Maia ◽  
R. S. Angélica ◽  
R. F. Neves
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Large Degree ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Amazon Region ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Zeolite A ◽  
Synthesis Conditions ◽  
Brazilian Amazon Region ◽  
Social And Economic Development ◽  
Naoh Solution

AbstractProduction of kaolin for the paper-coating industry in the Brazilian Amazon region generates large amounts of waste, most of which is kaolinite. It is known that such materials can be used to synthesize zeolites. The use of kaolin waste for zeolite synthesis could, in principle, help social and economic development while providing valuable materials for industry. Additionally, there is a significant environmental appeal if such wastes could be used instead of new raw materials.This study focused on the production of zeolite A. Samples of the raw material were first calcined (700ºC/2 h) to obtain metakaolinite for further reaction with NaOH solution. Different parameters were evaluated to optimize the synthesis conditions of zeolite A. The results showed that zeolite A with a large degree of structural order was generally obtained as the only zeolitic product. The following synthesis conditions were used: temperature 110ºC, time 24 h and a Na/Al ratio of 1.36. Hydroxysodalite was also obtained under specific conditions.

scholarly journals Developing the technology of feldspar raw materials pre-flotation conditioning at the Kedrovoe deposit

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (8) ◽  
pp. 52-61
Author(s):  
Galina Gazaleeva ◽  
◽  
Tatiana Buzunova ◽  
Varvara Shigaeva ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Size Class ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Optimal Size ◽  
Product Classification ◽  
Grinding Kinetics ◽  
Solids Content ◽  
Grinding Time

Introduction. When developing the technology of fieldspar raw material processing, it is essential to select efficient modes of grinding and desliming. Research aim is to develop the technology of feldspar raw materials pre-flotation conditioning at the Kedrovoe deposit as applied to the technology of JSC Malyshevskoye rudoupravlenie. Methodology. Feldspar grinding kinetics in a ball mill was determined, and useful minerals disclosure degree was determined using AXIO Imager A1m optical microscope. The optimal size of sludge in ISSN 0536-1028 «Известия вузов. Горный журнал», № 8, 2020 61 hydrocycloning has also been identified. The object of research was a representative sample of pegmatites from the Kedrovoe deposit. Results. The research results showed that the optimal grinding time is 30 minutes, the content of the +0.16 mm size class is no more than 20–22%, and the optimal class for disliming with minimal losses of feldspar is minus 40 microns. The best results for product classification were obtained at a pressure at the inlet of the hydrocyclone of 1.2 bar, a sand packing diameter of 7 mm. The solids content in the feed was 24.15%, the content of particles with a size of minus 40 microns in the drain was 96.19%. Conclusions. Investigation of feldspar raw materials grinding and desliming at the Kedrovoe deposit made it possible to obtain dependencies for the effective control of the sludge content of minus 40 microns in the hydrocyclone discharge by changing the solids content in the feed and to identify effective grinding modes.

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