The pigments from Pinnacle Point Cave 13B, Western Cape, South Africa.

Due to the diversity of contemporary archaeology, the aims and approaches of archaeological scientists and archaeological theorists are often at odds. I suggest that this position is problematic, both intellectually and methodologically, as both groups are fundamentally engaged in the same task: an understanding of past societies through the medium of material culture. This paper offers a review of the intellectual positions of both groups, with a brief discussion of the history of archaeological theory and an appraisal of its current trajectory. I will discuss how and why contemporary theoretical perspectives have fundamentally diverged from the perspectives of archaeological scientists and how the recent theoretical emphasis upon materiality offers a rapprochement between theoreticians and archaeological scientists.

/pdf/archaeometry-and-materiality-materials-based-analysis-in-2hbfq754z4.pdf

Archaeometry and materiality: materials-based analysis in theory and practice*

As evident from archaeological excavation, ochre was widely used for ceremonial, mortuary, and other purposes around the world. However, the ancient meaning and procurement practices of ochre are not well understood. This study examines the variation in the major, minor and trace element patterns of ochre from iron oxide sources in southeastern Missouri to better understand the differences that may occur within and between sources. Samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and the data were interpreted by Pearson’s linear correlation and multivariate analysis. The data indicate geochemical trends in ochre that satisfy the provenance postulate.

Trace element characterization of ochre from geological sources

Identifying grinding, scoring and rubbing use-wear on experimental ochre pieces

In this paper we apply geochemical sourcing methods to an assemblage of ochre from archaeological excavations at the Puritjarra rock shelter in western central Australia. Our work indicates that the red ochre in Late Pleistocene contexts at this rock shelter is from Karrku, a subterranean ochre mine still worked today by Walbiri people. Archaeological finds at Puritjarra indicate that exploitation of this source of high-grade red ochre had begun by 32,000 BP and has continued without significant interruption since then. Changes since the Late Pleistocene in the type and quantity of red ochre reaching the Puritjarra shelter, from various sources including Karrku, provide means to test current models of regional prehistory in this part of arid Australia and illustrate some of the potential of this approach for regional studies.

The Changing Provenance of Red Ochre at Puritjarra Rock Shelter, Central Australia: Late Pleistocene to Present.

Rietveld phase analysis of X-ray powder diffraction patterns and chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy have been used to characterize a series of red and yellow ochre samples from Aboriginal ochre deposits in South and Western Australia. The ochres were found to have diverse mineralogy, being mixtures of up to seven minerals, and also to have complex trace element signatures. The mineralogical characteristics and geochemistry of the ochres can be used to identify the source quarries. Using this combination of analytical techniques it may be possible to trace the source of ochres in burial sites and on objects back to the original quarries.

Rietveld x-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorescence analysis of australian aboriginal ochres*

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Rietveld x-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorescence analysis of australian aboriginal ochres*