In this paper we evaluate the relative analytical capabilities of SEM-EDS, PIXE and EDXRF for cha... more In this paper we evaluate the relative analytical capabilities of SEM-EDS, PIXE and EDXRF for characterizing archaeologically significant Anatolian obsidians on the basis of their elemental compositions. The study involves 54 geological samples from various sources, together with an archaeological case study involving 100 artifacts from Neolithic Çatalhöyük (central Anatolia). With each technique the artifacts formed two compositional groups that correlated with the East Göllü Da g and Nenezi Da g sources. The non-destructive capabilities of these methods are emphasized (albeit with certain analytical limitations in the case of SEM-EDS), suggesting important new techniques for Near Eastern obsidian provenance studies. with whom some of us initiated this obsidian provenance program fifteen years ago, Joseph, who passed away a few months ago, was a close collaborator and friend of several of the authors, and we feel both scientifically and humanly indebted to him.
ABSTRACT: The role of 3D modelling in archaeology is increasing exponentially, from fieldwork to architecture to material culture studies. For the study of archaeological objects the roles of digital and print models for public engagement has been much considered in recent literature. For model makers, focus has typically been placed on exceptional and visually striking objects with inherent appeal. In contrast, this paper explores some of the potential roles for 3D digital models for routine artefact research and publication. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges this technology raises for archaeological theory and practice. Following a consideration of how 3D models relate to established illustration and photographic traditions, the paper evaluates some of the unique features of 3D models, focussing on both positive and negative aspects of these. This is followed by a discussion of the role of potential research connections between digital and craft models in experimental research. Our overall objective is to emphasise a need to engage with the ways in which this gradual development has begun to change aspects of long-established workflows. In turn, the increasing use of this technology is argued to have wider ramifications for the development of archaeology, and material culture studies in particular, as a discipline that requires reflection.
A small group of exotic obsidian blades supplied from over 600km distant reached a particular are... more A small group of exotic obsidian blades supplied from over 600km distant reached a particular area of the East Mound at Çatalhöyük in the Early Ceramic Neolithic (7000-6300 cal BC). The authors explore a variety of explanations and contexts, including changes in technology, agricultural expansion, gift exchange, bride-wealth and incomers from the east.
The obsidian sources of central Anatolia, the Aegean and central Europe have been studied in deta... more The obsidian sources of central Anatolia, the Aegean and central Europe have been studied in detail over the past 50 years. Various analytical techniques have been employed to discriminate artefacts from each of these and to reconstruct their zones of distribution. This paper presents a pXRF method that allows mass sampling of artefacts focusing on three neighbouring regions, particularly where these zones overlap. Successful discrimination of the obsidian source for products could be achieved using threedimensional scatter plots of trace elements RbeSreZr. PXRF can thus be appreciated as a powerful tool in the region, enabling non-destructive on-site analyses in contexts where the export of artefacts is often difficult if not impossible. The ability to rapidly process large assemblages also has major implications for generating data-sets of sufficient resolution to transform archaeological interpretation.
In 2010, a portion of a well-preserved domestic building dating to the later part of Early Minoan... more In 2010, a portion of a well-preserved domestic building dating to the later part of Early Minoan (EM) I was excavated at Priniatikos Pyrgos, east Crete. Though only a small portion of this house was available to investigate, there was clear evidence for several architectural and habitation phases. The final domestic activities were particularly well preserved because the building was deliberately destroyed in an event that included burning. There was a distinct and clearly defined ritual component to this event, including the decommissioning of household objects. Because of the rapid abandonment and destruction of this building, the excavated area contained well-preserved evidence for the character of use of the building in its final days. This preliminary discussion focuses primarily on this portion of the house and contextualizes it within the overall excavation at Priniatikos Pyrgos, its environs recorded in the Vrokastro Survey Project, and EM I Crete more generally. It provides detailed analyses of industrial, domestic, trade, and ritual activities through the study of stratigraphy, architecture, ceramics, faunal remains, plant remains, obsidian, metal, and plaster. It concludes with a discussion of the character of activity that took place when the building was abandoned.* * We wish to thank the Institute for Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP) for its unstinting support in the conduct of the excavation and study phases of this project. The support and encouragement of the staff of the KD' Ephoreia of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities made this work and publication possible. We are grateful to the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies at Athens and the INSTAP Study Center for East Crete for providing ongoing logistical infrastructure. The Mediterranean Archaeological Trust also provided assistance. We have been fortunate to have strong support from many individuals; in particular, we thank V. Apostalakou, C.
Russell, Nerissa, Katherine I. Wright, Tristan Carter, Sheena Ketchum, Philippa Ryan, E. Nurcan Y... more Russell, Nerissa, Katherine I. Wright, Tristan Carter, Sheena Ketchum, Philippa Ryan, E. Nurcan Yalman, Roddy Regan, Mirjana Stevanović, and Marina Milić 2014 Bringing down the house: House closing deposits at Çatalhöyük. In Book Bringing down the house: House closing deposits at Çatalhöyük. I. Hodder, ed. Pp. 109-121. Vol. Volume. 32. Los Angeles: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles. includes erratum: full version of Table 1
in F. Borrell, J.J. Ibáñez & M.M. Molist (eds.), Stone Tools in Transition: From Hunter-Gatherers to Farming Societies in the Near East: 495-508., 2013
A small group of exotic obsidian blades supplied from over 600km distant reached a particular are... more A small group of exotic obsidian blades supplied from over 600km distant reached a particular area of the East Mound at Ç atalhöyük in the Early Ceramic Neolithic (7000-6300 cal BC). The authors explore a variety of explanations and contexts, including changes in technology, agricultural expansion, gift exchange, bride-wealth and incomers from the east.
In this paper we evaluate the relative analytical capabilities of SEM-EDS, PIXE and EDXRF for cha... more In this paper we evaluate the relative analytical capabilities of SEM-EDS, PIXE and EDXRF for characterizing archaeologically significant Anatolian obsidians on the basis of their elemental compositions. The study involves 54 geological samples from various sources, together with an archaeological case study involving 100 artifacts from Neolithic Çatalhöyük (central Anatolia). With each technique the artifacts formed two compositional groups that correlated with the East Göllü Da g and Nenezi Da g sources. The non-destructive capabilities of these methods are emphasized (albeit with certain analytical limitations in the case of SEM-EDS), suggesting important new techniques for Near Eastern obsidian provenance studies. with whom some of us initiated this obsidian provenance program fifteen years ago, Joseph, who passed away a few months ago, was a close collaborator and friend of several of the authors, and we feel both scientifically and humanly indebted to him.
ABSTRACT: The role of 3D modelling in archaeology is increasing exponentially, from fieldwork to architecture to material culture studies. For the study of archaeological objects the roles of digital and print models for public engagement has been much considered in recent literature. For model makers, focus has typically been placed on exceptional and visually striking objects with inherent appeal. In contrast, this paper explores some of the potential roles for 3D digital models for routine artefact research and publication. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges this technology raises for archaeological theory and practice. Following a consideration of how 3D models relate to established illustration and photographic traditions, the paper evaluates some of the unique features of 3D models, focussing on both positive and negative aspects of these. This is followed by a discussion of the role of potential research connections between digital and craft models in experimental research. Our overall objective is to emphasise a need to engage with the ways in which this gradual development has begun to change aspects of long-established workflows. In turn, the increasing use of this technology is argued to have wider ramifications for the development of archaeology, and material culture studies in particular, as a discipline that requires reflection.
A small group of exotic obsidian blades supplied from over 600km distant reached a particular are... more A small group of exotic obsidian blades supplied from over 600km distant reached a particular area of the East Mound at Çatalhöyük in the Early Ceramic Neolithic (7000-6300 cal BC). The authors explore a variety of explanations and contexts, including changes in technology, agricultural expansion, gift exchange, bride-wealth and incomers from the east.
The obsidian sources of central Anatolia, the Aegean and central Europe have been studied in deta... more The obsidian sources of central Anatolia, the Aegean and central Europe have been studied in detail over the past 50 years. Various analytical techniques have been employed to discriminate artefacts from each of these and to reconstruct their zones of distribution. This paper presents a pXRF method that allows mass sampling of artefacts focusing on three neighbouring regions, particularly where these zones overlap. Successful discrimination of the obsidian source for products could be achieved using threedimensional scatter plots of trace elements RbeSreZr. PXRF can thus be appreciated as a powerful tool in the region, enabling non-destructive on-site analyses in contexts where the export of artefacts is often difficult if not impossible. The ability to rapidly process large assemblages also has major implications for generating data-sets of sufficient resolution to transform archaeological interpretation.
In 2010, a portion of a well-preserved domestic building dating to the later part of Early Minoan... more In 2010, a portion of a well-preserved domestic building dating to the later part of Early Minoan (EM) I was excavated at Priniatikos Pyrgos, east Crete. Though only a small portion of this house was available to investigate, there was clear evidence for several architectural and habitation phases. The final domestic activities were particularly well preserved because the building was deliberately destroyed in an event that included burning. There was a distinct and clearly defined ritual component to this event, including the decommissioning of household objects. Because of the rapid abandonment and destruction of this building, the excavated area contained well-preserved evidence for the character of use of the building in its final days. This preliminary discussion focuses primarily on this portion of the house and contextualizes it within the overall excavation at Priniatikos Pyrgos, its environs recorded in the Vrokastro Survey Project, and EM I Crete more generally. It provides detailed analyses of industrial, domestic, trade, and ritual activities through the study of stratigraphy, architecture, ceramics, faunal remains, plant remains, obsidian, metal, and plaster. It concludes with a discussion of the character of activity that took place when the building was abandoned.* * We wish to thank the Institute for Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP) for its unstinting support in the conduct of the excavation and study phases of this project. The support and encouragement of the staff of the KD' Ephoreia of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities made this work and publication possible. We are grateful to the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies at Athens and the INSTAP Study Center for East Crete for providing ongoing logistical infrastructure. The Mediterranean Archaeological Trust also provided assistance. We have been fortunate to have strong support from many individuals; in particular, we thank V. Apostalakou, C.
Russell, Nerissa, Katherine I. Wright, Tristan Carter, Sheena Ketchum, Philippa Ryan, E. Nurcan Y... more Russell, Nerissa, Katherine I. Wright, Tristan Carter, Sheena Ketchum, Philippa Ryan, E. Nurcan Yalman, Roddy Regan, Mirjana Stevanović, and Marina Milić 2014 Bringing down the house: House closing deposits at Çatalhöyük. In Book Bringing down the house: House closing deposits at Çatalhöyük. I. Hodder, ed. Pp. 109-121. Vol. Volume. 32. Los Angeles: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles. includes erratum: full version of Table 1
in F. Borrell, J.J. Ibáñez & M.M. Molist (eds.), Stone Tools in Transition: From Hunter-Gatherers to Farming Societies in the Near East: 495-508., 2013
A small group of exotic obsidian blades supplied from over 600km distant reached a particular are... more A small group of exotic obsidian blades supplied from over 600km distant reached a particular area of the East Mound at Ç atalhöyük in the Early Ceramic Neolithic (7000-6300 cal BC). The authors explore a variety of explanations and contexts, including changes in technology, agricultural expansion, gift exchange, bride-wealth and incomers from the east.
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Papers by Marina Milic
https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/opar.2018.4.issue-1/opar-2018-0006/opar-2018-0006.xml?format=INT
ABSTRACT:
The role of 3D modelling in archaeology is increasing exponentially, from fieldwork to architecture to material culture studies. For the study of archaeological objects the roles of digital and print models for public engagement has been much considered in recent literature. For model makers, focus has typically been placed on exceptional and visually striking objects with inherent appeal. In contrast, this paper explores some of the potential roles for 3D digital models for routine artefact research and publication. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges this technology raises for archaeological theory and practice. Following a consideration of how 3D models relate to established illustration and photographic traditions, the paper evaluates some of the unique features of 3D models, focussing on both positive and negative aspects of these. This is followed by a discussion of the role of potential research connections between digital and craft models in experimental research. Our overall objective is to emphasise a need to engage with the ways in which this gradual development has begun to change aspects of long-established workflows. In turn, the increasing use of this technology is argued to have wider ramifications for the development of archaeology, and material culture studies in particular, as a discipline that requires reflection.
2014 Bringing down the house: House closing deposits at Çatalhöyük. In Book Bringing down the house: House closing deposits at Çatalhöyük. I. Hodder, ed. Pp. 109-121. Vol. Volume. 32. Los Angeles: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles.
includes erratum: full version of Table 1
https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/opar.2018.4.issue-1/opar-2018-0006/opar-2018-0006.xml?format=INT
ABSTRACT:
The role of 3D modelling in archaeology is increasing exponentially, from fieldwork to architecture to material culture studies. For the study of archaeological objects the roles of digital and print models for public engagement has been much considered in recent literature. For model makers, focus has typically been placed on exceptional and visually striking objects with inherent appeal. In contrast, this paper explores some of the potential roles for 3D digital models for routine artefact research and publication. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges this technology raises for archaeological theory and practice. Following a consideration of how 3D models relate to established illustration and photographic traditions, the paper evaluates some of the unique features of 3D models, focussing on both positive and negative aspects of these. This is followed by a discussion of the role of potential research connections between digital and craft models in experimental research. Our overall objective is to emphasise a need to engage with the ways in which this gradual development has begun to change aspects of long-established workflows. In turn, the increasing use of this technology is argued to have wider ramifications for the development of archaeology, and material culture studies in particular, as a discipline that requires reflection.
2014 Bringing down the house: House closing deposits at Çatalhöyük. In Book Bringing down the house: House closing deposits at Çatalhöyük. I. Hodder, ed. Pp. 109-121. Vol. Volume. 32. Los Angeles: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles.
includes erratum: full version of Table 1