Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports最新文献

{"title":"Automated SEM-EDS mineralogical characterisation of archaeological pottery from Luxmanda and Mumba Rockshelter, Tanzania","authors":"Titus Luomba Ombori ,&nbsp;Duncan Pirrie ,&nbsp;Matthew R. Power ,&nbsp;Ian Skilling ,&nbsp;Agness O. Gidna ,&nbsp;Audax Z.P. Mabulla ,&nbsp;Pastory M. Bushozi ,&nbsp;Mary E. Prendergast ,&nbsp;Katherine M. Grillo","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents the first application of automated scanning electron microscopy with linked energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) to characterise “Narosura” Pastoral Neolithic (PN) pottery from the Luxmanda site in northern Tanzania. Additional samples from Mumba Rockshelter in the Eyasi Basin are also presented for comparison. The PN period in eastern Africa (∼5000–1200 BP) was characterised by the spread of domestic livestock and new forms of material culture associated with pastoralism. Despite extensive pottery macro-typological analysis in this region, few studies have focused on the mineralogical composition and provenance of the raw materials for PN pottery production. By examining 13 pottery samples using automated SEM-EDS, this study has identified four distinct mineralogical groups, each of which reflect the localised sourcing of raw materials for ceramic manufacture. The findings reveal differences in raw material sources suggesting varying pottery production techniques and cultural practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105369"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144932637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rethinking strontium variability beyond mobility: Strontium isotope and concentration analysis of cremated remains from Tienen (Gallo-Roman Belgium, 1-4th c.AD)","authors":"Emma M. Legrand ,&nbsp;Marleen Martens ,&nbsp;Christina Cheung ,&nbsp;Barbara Veselka ,&nbsp;Tom Debruyne ,&nbsp;Guy De Mulder ,&nbsp;Steven Goderis ,&nbsp;Sarah Dalle ,&nbsp;Christophe Snoeck ,&nbsp;Hannah F. James","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Strontium isotope analysis (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) is a common tool for the study of mobility in archaeological populations, and has often been used in Roman contexts, to deliver more information on the mobility of the inhabitants of the Roman Empire. However, the practice of cremation within the empire and the methodological bias towards inhumation long pushed aside the study of populations who practiced cremation. Additionally, it is becoming more and more apparent that additional factors can have an influence on ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values, besides mobility, which calls for a careful reassessment of the results. This study looks at the population dynamics in the Gallo-Roman <em>vicus</em> of Tienen, through strontium isotope (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) and concentration ([Sr]) analyzes of a total of 147 cremated remains. While [Sr] values point to a general consumption of salt throughout the occupation of the <em>vicus</em> of Tienen, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr results point to limited mobility, changes in land use, and/or importations for food as an explanation for values. This study contributes to a growing field of research on mobility studies on cremations within a Roman cultural context.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isotopic analysis as proxy to investigate the presence of domestic camelids (Lama glama) in central Argentina during the late period (∼1220–330 BP)","authors":"Andrea Recalde,&nbsp;Diego Rivero","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105362","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105362","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Camelid exploitation has been important throughout the Holocene in central Argentina, emphasizing <em>Lama guanicoe</em> hunting. Despite attempts (i.e. osteometry, DNA) no conclusive results have been obtained on the presence or management of <em>Lama glama</em> (domestic camelids) in the region. This study represents the first isotopic analysis conducted on archaeofaunal remains of Camelidae from the Sierras del Norte (central Argentina), dating to the Late Period (∼1220–330 cal BP), to discuss the possible presence of <em>Lama glama</em> in the region. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N obtained in bone collagen showed that camelids from Quebrada Norte 7 (QN7) have high values of ð¹³C (values between −14.98 ‰ and −12.54 ‰) concerning other assemblages dated from the Early and Late Holocene, with isotopic values ranging from −21.6 ‰ and −16.5 ‰. These results are discussed and compared against published data from another site in the region. In this way, the camelid samples with high ð¹³C from QN 7 could contribute to the discussion and reflection on the introduction of <em>Lama glama</em> within a flexible subsistence and mobility pattern.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105362"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144906907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental evidence for the efficacy of transversal hafting of backed segments as arrowheads","authors":"Gerrit L. Dusseldorp ,&nbsp;Mick van Harderwijk ,&nbsp;Morgan Roussel ,&nbsp;Alessandro Aleo","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Backed segments in quartz from the Howiesons Poort industry of Southern Africa (65–60 ka) have been interpreted as tips of arrows. Nevertheless, several different hafting configurations for these pieces have been proposed. Here, experimental data on the efficacy of two different hafting configurations is presented. Arrows with flint segments replicated to the dimensions of quartz segments from the Howiesons Poort have been shot into gelatin targets. These experiments show that transversally hafted segments outperform diagonally hafted segments in penetration depth, but there is substantial overlap in the size of wounds caused. Our results help constrain the interpretation of archaeological backed segments from the Howiesons Poort and similar lithic elements from technocomplexes across Africa and Europe.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105365"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144903704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An archaeological record of late Holocene activity and colonial impacts in the New England Tableland, New South Wales, Australia","authors":"Georgia Burnett ,&nbsp;Cameron Neal ,&nbsp;Taylar Reid ,&nbsp;Joel Mason ,&nbsp;Trudy Doelman ,&nbsp;Alex Frolich ,&nbsp;Donny Fermor ,&nbsp;Steve Talbott ,&nbsp;Warren Mayers ,&nbsp;Alan N. Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105363","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105363","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since the 1970s, the New England Tableland—an extensive geological upland in New South Wales—has seen limited archaeological investigation. We present the results of a compliance-based archaeological excavation along the upper reaches of Dungowan Creek, 55 km southeast of Tamworth, which provides further insight into late Holocene regional human activity and the impacts of colonial invasion in the mid-19th Century on Indigenous people. Investigations included 216 m² of discrete test pits extending some 4 km along the creek’s edge, and two open area excavations (totalling 41 m²) focussing on key archaeological deposits. A total of 3,490 stone artefacts were recovered from the upper ∼50 cm of sediment, deposited from ∼5,500 years ago (5.5 ka) into the mid-20th Century, based on 20 optically stimulated luminescence ages. Artefact analysis indicates ongoing exploitation of regionally rare raw materials (serpentine, jasper and high-quality chalcedony) sourced from cobbles in the creek bed and used in tool-making, hunting, wood-working and regional trade. Activity peaked just prior to colonial invasion, followed by a rapid collapse in the early 19th Century corresponding with the arrival of introduced disease (e.g. smallpox) and intense frontier violence. Within ∼40 years, the archaeological record clearly reflects colonial impacts that resulted in the disruption to traditional lifeways, trade networks and seasonal movement, as well as population loss. This disruption persisted into the 20th Century, driven by the establishment of missions and reserves that forcibly removed Indigenous people from their Country. Importantly, contemporary oral history reveals continued use of the valley in the mid- and late-20th Century, representing a remarkable story of resilience and cultural revival. We highlight the importance of increased archaeological focus to the early colonial period to support reconciliation and truth-telling with Indigenous communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105363"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144903705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Up the mountain and back again: sequential stable isotope analysis reveals altitudinal migration in wild sheep (Ovis cf. orientalis) from the PPNA site of Nachcharini Cave, Lebanon","authors":"L.C. Eastham ,&nbsp;S. Rhodes","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105366","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105366","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) marks an early phase in the transition from foraging to farming in Southwest Asia. Although this stage of <em>neolithization</em> shows evidence of early plant cultivation, subsistence strategies remained primarily dependent on hunting. While faunal data from the northern and southern Levant reflect regional differences in prey choice and hunting strategies, patterns in the central Levant are less well defined. In this study, we use stable carbon (δ¹³C) and oxygen (δ¹⁸O) isotope values measured sequentially in the tooth enamel of wild sheep (<em>Ovis</em> cf. <em>orientalis</em>) from the PPNA site of Nachcharini Cave in northeastern Lebanon to reconstruct seasonal mobility and ecology in this prey species. The isotopic sequences show negative covariation between δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values, consistent with seasonal altitudinal migration between alpine C₃-dominant summer ranges and lower-elevation wintering grounds with mixed C₃/C₄ vegetation. This mobility pattern suggests that sheep occupied the alpine zone only seasonally, requiring PPNA hunters to possess detailed ecological knowledge to target them during their highland presence. The broadly consistent placement of δ¹⁸O maxima suggests births clustered within a specific season, likely timed to align with forage availability and the physiological demands of migration, as seen in modern montane wild sheep. Low inter-individual δ¹⁸O variation supports relatively short-term faunal accumulation, while higher δ¹³C variation reflects dietary and environmental heterogeneity. These results reinforce the interpretation of Nachcharini Cave as a seasonal alpine hunting camp and highlight the role of logistical mobility and ecological knowledge in structuring PPNA subsistence practices in the central Levant.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105366"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144889472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing petrographic variability and regional connections in Medieval and Modern Catalonian Greyware Pottery: Insights from geochemical analysis","authors":"Esther Travé Allepuz ,&nbsp;Evanthia Tsantini ,&nbsp;Leandro Fantuzzi ,&nbsp;Karen Álvaro ,&nbsp;Miguel Ángel Cau Ontiveros","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Greyware pottery, commonly found in most archaeological contexts in medieval Catalonia (northwestern Spain), reflects a long-standing tradition of ceramic production that has continually adapted to social and economic transformations. Originating in the late Roman period, this tradition has persisted into the present day, surviving in the form of artisanal and traditional wares. This study explores regional connections in medieval and modern greyware pottery production and distribution areas in Catalonia through petrographic examination and geochemical analysis. A dataset of 74 samples was selected for wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) analysis from an extensive assemblage previously examined via thin-section petrography. The primary objectives were to determine the geochemical composition of the samples, test de validity of the petrographic groups, and ultimately to examine how these two sources of information (petrography and chemistry) converge to reinforce the group definitions or diverge to reveal new dimensions of variability. At the same time, regional connections were explored, particularly regarding fabrics found in the area of Les Gavarres. Significant correlations between geochemical compositions and petrographic classifications further reinforces the validity of the previously defined petrographic groups. The findings reveal regional patterns, suggesting connections between the eastern region and other consumption centres in coastal and central Catalonia, providing new insights for studying technological practices and cultural transfer, and enhancing our understanding of utilitarian greyware pottery production and distribution dynamics over the centuries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105339"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144889473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From excavation to analysis: Experimental insights on the impact of wet sieving processes on lithic use-wear traces","authors":"Trishia Gayle R. Palconit ,&nbsp;Lorenzo Testi ,&nbsp;Marta Arzarello ,&nbsp;Gabriele L.F. Berruti","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lithic microscopic use-wear analysis plays a crucial role in reconstructing past human behaviour, offering insights into tool use, site function, and subsistence strategies. However, its reliability depends greatly on the identification of genuine use traces and is therefore continuously challenged by contamination, either in post-depositional conditions or in handling post-recovery. This study aims to investigate the impact of a common procedure in archaeological excavation – wet sieving – on the preservation of use-wear on flint tools, through experimentation and controlled field simulations conducted at the site of Pirro Nord 13. Results of the microscopic analysis indicate that wet sieving, despite concerning mechanics similar to specific abrasive weathering processes, does not significantly alter use-wear patterns. These findings reaffirm the resilience of functional traces and highlight the reliability of use-wear analysis in archaeological research when accompanied by rigorous protocols both in the field and in the laboratory.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105364"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144886975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing Neanderthal occupation duration: Faunal evidence from sub-unit IIIb of Teixoneres Cave (Barcelona, Spain)","authors":"Valentina Lubrano ,&nbsp;Anna Rufà ,&nbsp;Ruth Blasco ,&nbsp;Florent Rivals ,&nbsp;Jordi Rosell","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105347","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105347","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Determining the duration of occupations at Middle Palaeolithic archaeological sites is essential to enhancing our understanding of Neanderthal behaviour and subsistence strategies. Identifying occupation length in these contexts presents significant complexity and is often ambiguous due to the palimpsest nature of the archaeological sites. This study examines faunal specimens from sub-Unit IIIb of Teixoneres Cave, focusing on both external and internal site areas, to estimate the duration of human occupations. Using zooarchaeological and taphonomic parameters, we evaluate the effectiveness of these methods for inferring occupation length. Our analysis shows that faunal remains—such as evidence of hunting, butchering, and carcass transport—are essential for reconstructing Neanderthal subsistence strategies and for understanding whether the site was used during one short-term occupation or across several distinct episodes over time. While certain results diverge from the features currently used in literature to define occupation duration, the spatial distribution of lithic artefacts, from sub-Unit IIIb at Teixoneres Cave support the hypothesis of short, repeated human occupations. This analysis focuses on applying and critically examining some of those theoretical assumptions, particularly those related to taphonomic and archaeozoological criteria. In this context, Teixoneres Cave serves as the dataset through which we test whether a real archaeological case supports the theoretical framework proposed in <span><span>Lubrano et al. (2025)</span></span>. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions on the complexities of interpreting archaeological palimpsests and the methodological challenges involved in estimating the duration of Neanderthal occupations. Furthermore, the data place sub-Unit IIIb of Teixoneres within the broader framework of Middle Palaeolithic cave sites characterized by short-term human occupations in settings frequently utilized by large carnivores.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105347"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144889471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovative archiving of raw materials: Advancing archaeometric databases at the Austrian Archaeological Institute/Austrian Academy of Sciences","authors":"Micheline Welte ,&nbsp;Karl Burkhart ,&nbsp;Helmut Schwaiger ,&nbsp;Vasiliki Anevlavi ,&nbsp;Emmanouil Anevlavis ,&nbsp;Pamela Fragnoli ,&nbsp;Walter Prochaska","doi":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Archaeometry unfolds at the intersection between natural sciences and archaeology, shedding light on the life cycle of ancient artefacts and structures. The systematic archiving of archaeometric data not only empowers intra-institute research but also allows international scholars to access organised sets of information. This archival approach facilitates collaborative research, encourages data sharing, and promotes a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.</div><div>The archaeometric collection curated by the Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) encompasses a diverse array of artefacts and materials spanning multiple periods and regions. This includes thin sections of ceramics, pottery sherds, test briquettes, clay samples, plasters, mortars, glasses, metals, pigments and stones. Notably, the OeAI proudly hosts the most extensive archaeometric collections of Roman marble and pottery from Greece and Asia Minor, further enriching its repository of invaluable historical and scientific resources. Alongside these physical artefacts, the collection is complemented by a wealth of petrographic, geochemical, and mineralogical data. Recognising the significance of these records, encompassing information, materials, data, and documentation, we underscore their pivotal role in safeguarding and comprehending our cultural heritage.</div><div>These collections will be made available via a web application that provides downloadable open-format data and metadata, as well as Linked Open Data, where a controlled vocabulary is linked with online authority databases. Designed as a long-term sustainable solution, the database is intended to not only present the marble collections for which it was originally designed but to also be adaptable for archaeometric collections of varying types, such as the OeAI ceramics collection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48150,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 105354"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144889468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}