The commingling of human skeletal remains poses a recurrent challenge for osteoarchaeologists. Prior to any comprehensive analysis, the reassociation of these remains is required. Over the past...Show moreThe commingling of human skeletal remains poses a recurrent challenge for osteoarchaeologists. Prior to any comprehensive analysis, the reassociation of these remains is required. Over the past seven decades, numerous methodologies have emerged to address this challenge. However, each method exhibits limitations, prompting the necessity for the advancement of current techniques and the introduction of novel approaches. Among these evolving methods, the portable X-ray fluorescence technique stands out. Originally not designed for application on human remains, its appeal lies in its non-destructive nature and cost-effectiveness, drawing keen interest from osteoarchaeologists and forensic anthropologists. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of portable X-ray fluorescence in sorting commingled archaeological remains buried in the Netherlands. It involves the examination of 40 adults, 20 unearthed from Arnhem and 20 from Middenbeemster, dating back to the post-medieval period. The research initiates by investigating both intra-skeletal and inter-skeletal chemical variation, further exploring the potential factors contributing to these differences. Throughout the analysis, multiple sorting attempts are conducted to ensure a thorough exploration of the technique's capabilities. The results indicate statistically significant chemical variation within the same skeleton and among different individuals. In terms of intra-skeletal variation, from the 12 skeletal elements tested in each individual, only four pairs of bones (humerus–femur, rib–mandible, tibia–parietal, and tibia–rib) did not exhibit variation in the concentrations of chemical elements. With regard to inter-skeletal variation, 23 out of the 30 elements detected by the pXRF, and 14 out of the 15 ratios explored, demonstrated significant differences. Variation was also observed between males and females, as well as between sites. For the differences among the adult sub-groups that were noted, no generalizations can be made unless further research is conducted. Finally, the reassociation attempts reveal that the most successful sorting cases involved two individuals from different sites, utilizing principal components derived from ratios, while the tooth measurements were excluded. Key ratios influencing the sorting process included Mn/K, Mn/S, Mn/Fe, K/Fe, Sr/Ca, Ca/P, Pb/Ca, S/Sr, and Sr/Pb. While the method showed promise when a small number of individuals were involved, it lacked consistency. Therefore, it should be used in conjunction with other methods until further research is conducted.Show less
Locally produced incised impasto ware is known to dominate the necropoleis and settlement contexts of Falerii Veteres, modern Civita Castellana, northern Lazio, during the Orientalizing period (8th...Show moreLocally produced incised impasto ware is known to dominate the necropoleis and settlement contexts of Falerii Veteres, modern Civita Castellana, northern Lazio, during the Orientalizing period (8th – 7th centuries). Falerii Veteres is recognized as the main town of a small peripheral region, acting as a middle ground between the Sabine, Capenate, Latin and Etruscan regions. Within this well connected ancient cultural landscape the Faliscan incised impasto production remains crucially its own, adopting the decorative repertoire of the Orientalizing and bucchero wares as the artisans or consumers saw fit. The research of this thesis revolves around the main question “How did potters’ technological choices develop at Falerii during the Orientalizing period (8th – 7th centuries BCE) when it comes to the traditionally produced incised impasto ware?”. Using techniques and methodologies developed by the Archaeological Sciences, pXRF analysis was performed on an assemblage of incised impastos (n = 45). The results confirmed suspected imported vessels, proving its validity, and offered surprising results, showing two different artisanal recipes were used, either contemporaneously or possibly throughout time. These results have offered a first look into the chemical composition of the incised impasto wares and the decorative pastes which filled their incisions from the city of Falerii Veteres and its necropoleis. The results offer high potential for the study of change throughout time of raw material usage and potential provenancing of locally produced impasto for the entire region of the Ager Faliscus and beyond.Show less
This thesis presents and discusses the results of a survey of colonial cisterns on St. Eustatius. St. Eustatius was and is an island without any natural fresh springs or rivers. During the...Show moreThis thesis presents and discusses the results of a survey of colonial cisterns on St. Eustatius. St. Eustatius was and is an island without any natural fresh springs or rivers. During the seventeenth and eighteenth century the island became one of the most important trans-shipping centres for enslaved Africans and commodities of the entire world. At the end of the eighteenth century it harboured a population of over 8,000 people that had many different nationalities and cultures. To maintain this population there had to be a steady supply and storage of water. Therefore, this research is an effort to contribute to the topic of colonial water management on St. Eustatius. Water was incorporated in religious, political, social and economic practices. The way these practices were carried out or experienced differed for the Europeans and the Africans on the island. To ensure a supply of water for all these different peoples, cisterns were constructed on the island of St. Eustatius. After a thorough analysis of 94 cisterns, differences in shape and construction have led to the establishment of a new typology for these structures. As an experiment, the chemical composition of mortar is analyzed with the use of a principal component analysis. Ultimately, suggestions for the management of these cisterns are presented.Show less
