In‐situ Sourcing of Hematite Paints on the Surface of Hohokam Red‐on‐Buff Ceramics Using Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
Title: In‐situ Sourcing of Hematite Paints on the Surface of Hohokam Red‐on‐Buff Ceramics Using Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
Worldwide applications of ochre analysis continue to develop at a rapid pace, highlighting a number of analytical and interpretative issues. As regional source databases continue to grow, researchers have turned to the thornier issues of source allocation. In this study, we utilize LA–ICP–MS and NAA to examine archaeological pigments, ceramic paints and experimental tiles from geological sources and Hohokam ceramics in central Arizona. Archaeological pigments and paint on sherds are successfully source matched based on trace element content, with implications for understanding paint production, sociocultural relations governing trade in pigment and the use of different resource landscapes over time.
MacDonald, Brandi Lee; Stalla, David; He, Xiaoqing; Rahemtulla, Farid; Emerson, David; Dube, Paul A.; Maschmann, Matthew R.; Klesner, Catherine E.; White, Tommi A.(
, Scientific Reports)
Abstract
Red mineral pigment use is recognized as a fundamental component of a series of traits associated with human evolutionary development, social interaction, and behavioral complexity. Iron-enriched mineral deposits have been collected and prepared as pigment for use in rock art, personal adornment, and mortuary practices for millennia, yet little is known about early developments in mineral processing techniques in North America. Microanalysis of rock art pigments from the North American Pacific Northwest reveals a sophisticated use of iron oxide produced by the biomineralizing bacteriumLeptothrix ochracea;a keystone species of chemolithotroph recognized in recent advances in the development of thermostable, colorfast biomaterial pigments. Here we show evidence for human engagement with this bacterium, including nanostructural and magnetic properties evident of thermal enhancement, indicating that controlled use of pyrotechnology was a key feature of how biogenic iron oxides were prepared into paint. Our results demonstrate that hunter-gatherers in this area of study prepared pigments by harvesting aquatic microbial iron mats dominated by iron-oxidizing bacteria, which were subsequently heated in large open hearths at a controlled range of 750 °C to 850 °C. This technical gesture was performed to enhance color properties, and increase colorfastness and resistance to degradation. This skilled production of highly thermostable and long-lasting rock art paint represents a specialized technological innovation. Our results contribute to a growing body of knowledge on historical-ecological resource use practices in the Pacific Northwest during the Late Holocene.
Figshare link to figures:https://figshare.com/s/9392a0081632c20e9484.
The formation of lead carboxylates (lead soaps) has been identified as the cause of deterioration of hundreds of oil paintings. Soaps form when heavy metal-containing pigments, for example lead white and lead-tin yellow, react with saturated fatty acids in the oil medium. Understanding the mechanism of the reactions requires chemical information, which can be obtained with solid-state 207Pb, 119Sn and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Using the chemical-shift tensors determined by solid-state NMR we can gain structural insights on the coordination environment of the lead carboxylates and identify and quantify components in a paint film mixture. We have examined the spectroscopy of lead-containing pigments, lead carboxylates, and model paint films that were subjected to accelerated aging. We have also begun to investigate the dynamics of soap formation by 13C NMR spectroscopy. The NMR methods applied to the model paint systems could also be applied to other lead-containing materials.
Pavlik, Bruce M.; Baker, Margaret; Bamberg, John; Rio, Alfonso; Kinder, David; Louderback, Lisbeth A.(
, American Journal of Botany)
Diggle, Pam
(Ed.)
Abstract
Premise: Plant domestication can be detected when transport, use, and manipulation
of propagules impact reproductive functionality, especially in species with selfincompatible
breeding systems.
Methods: Evidence for human‐caused founder effect in the Four Corners potato
(Solanum jamesii Torr.) was examined by conducting 526 controlled matings between
archaeological and non‐archaeological populations from field‐collected tubers grown
in a greenhouse. Specimens from 24 major herbaria and collection records from >160
populations were examined to determine which produced fruits.
Results: Archaeological populations did not produce any fruits when self‐crossed or
outcrossed between individuals from the same source. A weak ability to self‐ or
outcross within populations was observed in non‐archaeological populations. Outcrossing
between archaeological and non‐archaeological populations, however, produced
fully formed, seed‐containing fruits, especially with a non‐archaeological pollen
source. Fruit formation was observed in 51 of 162 occurrences, with minimal evidence
of constraint by monsoonal drought, lack of pollinators, or spatial separation of
suitable partners. Some archaeological populations (especially those along ancient
trade routes) had records of fruit production (Chaco Canyon), while others (those in
northern Arizona, western Colorado, and southern Utah) did not.
Conclusions: The present study suggests that archaeological populations could have different
origins at different times—some descending directly from large gene pools to the
south and others derived from gardens already established around occupations. The latter
experienced a chain of founder events, which presumably would further reduce genetic
diversity and mating capability. Consequently, some archaeological populations lack the
genetic ability to sexually reproduce, likely as the result of human‐caused founder effect.
Vibrant and colorful plaza-based performances are one of the key hallmarks of the Pueblo ceremonial calendar, providing goodwill and communicating community histories, traditions, and knowledge. While the archaeological record may be silent on many details of these performances, a focus on the materiality of performance preparations is possible. In this paper, I rely upon the reanalysis of legacy collections from Pueblo Bonito to consider the production of blue-green paint, a symbolically significant color that is ubiquitous on the most emblematic forms of media used in Pueblo performances. I identify several possible paint production locales and ritual storerooms based on the spatial distributions of blue–green pigment, paint production tools, and painted media recovered from Pueblo Bonito. By considering these preparatory spaces in relation to specific construction sequences, I offer spatial histories of performance to suggest that through time, Pueblo Bonito was incrementally modified to sustain increasingly formalized performances.
Switala, L.; Black, B.; Mercovich, C.; Seshardi, A.; Hornak, J.(
, Journal of magnetic resonance)
Many samples cannot be studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy because they
are too large to fit into the spectrometer and too precious to be destructively sampled for study. An
EPR mobile universal surface explorer (MOUSE), also known as a unilateral EPR spectrometer, was constructed
for studying this class of sample. The EPR MOUSE can nondestructively record a low frequency
EPR (LFEPR) spectrum of a small region of any size object by placing the MOUSE against the object. The
capabilities of the EPR MOUSE are demonstrated on paramagnetic paint pigments on canvas, magnetic
ink on paper, and a ceramic candlestick. The mobile nature of the MOUSE will allow the spectrometer
to be brought to the sample, thus opening new applications of EPR spectroscopy.
Eiselt, B. S., Dudgeon, J., Darling, J. A., Paucar, E. N., Glascock, M. D., and Woodson, M. K. In‐situ Sourcing of Hematite Paints on the Surface of Hohokam Red‐on‐Buff Ceramics Using Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. Archaeometry 61.2 Web. doi:10.1111/arcm.12427.
Eiselt, B. S., Dudgeon, J., Darling, J. A., Paucar, E. N., Glascock, M. D., & Woodson, M. K. In‐situ Sourcing of Hematite Paints on the Surface of Hohokam Red‐on‐Buff Ceramics Using Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. Archaeometry, 61 (2). https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12427
Eiselt, B. S., Dudgeon, J., Darling, J. A., Paucar, E. N., Glascock, M. D., and Woodson, M. K.
"In‐situ Sourcing of Hematite Paints on the Surface of Hohokam Red‐on‐Buff Ceramics Using Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis". Archaeometry 61 (2). Country unknown/Code not available: Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12427.https://par.nsf.gov/biblio/10078207.
@article{osti_10078207,
place = {Country unknown/Code not available},
title = {In‐situ Sourcing of Hematite Paints on the Surface of Hohokam Red‐on‐Buff Ceramics Using Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis},
url = {https://par.nsf.gov/biblio/10078207},
DOI = {10.1111/arcm.12427},
abstractNote = {Worldwide applications of ochre analysis continue to develop at a rapid pace, highlighting a number of analytical and interpretative issues. As regional source databases continue to grow, researchers have turned to the thornier issues of source allocation. In this study, we utilize LA–ICP–MS and NAA to examine archaeological pigments, ceramic paints and experimental tiles from geological sources and Hohokam ceramics in central Arizona. Archaeological pigments and paint on sherds are successfully source matched based on trace element content, with implications for understanding paint production, sociocultural relations governing trade in pigment and the use of different resource landscapes over time.},
journal = {Archaeometry},
volume = {61},
number = {2},
publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},
author = {Eiselt, B. S. and Dudgeon, J. and Darling, J. A. and Paucar, E. N. and Glascock, M. D. and Woodson, M. K.},
}
Warning: Leaving National Science Foundation Website
You are now leaving the National Science Foundation website to go to a non-government website.
Website:
NSF takes no responsibility for and exercises no control over the views expressed or the accuracy of
the information contained on this site. Also be aware that NSF's privacy policy does not apply to this site.
