Multi-element and lead isotope characterization of early nineteenth century pottery sherds from Native American and Euro-American sites

Fine earthenwares imported from England are a distinctive artifact type frequently found on early nineteenth century Native American and Euro-American sites in eastern North America. Relatively rapid changes in decorative motifs and technologies can easily be identified by eye and provide informatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of archaeological science, reports reports, 2018-08, Vol.20, p.390-399
Main Authors: Schurr, Mark R., Donohue, Patrick H., Simonetti, Antonio, Dawson, Emily L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Glaze composition
LA-ICP-MS
Micro-XRF
Pigment
SEM-EDS
Staffordshire pottery
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Summary:Fine earthenwares imported from England are a distinctive artifact type frequently found on early nineteenth century Native American and Euro-American sites in eastern North America. Relatively rapid changes in decorative motifs and technologies can easily be identified by eye and provide information about site chronology and economic status. However, visual analyses of sherds usually can provide only general information because most assemblages are very fragmented. We present the chemical composition of pigments and glazes from sherds from two sites occupied during the first half of the nineteenth century: Pokagon Village, a Native American site (southwestern Michigan); and Collier Lodge, a Euro-American site (northwestern Indiana). Multi-element compositions of glazed portions of 12 sherds (with 3 different decorations, 2 specimens from each site of each pattern) were determined by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF), and laser-ablation-inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). SEM-EDS was especially useful for determining glaze composition, μXRF rapidly provides information on pigment composition and Pb content, and LA-MC-ICP-MS provides information on trace elements and Pb isotopes that reflect different raw material sources. •Glaze and pigment compositions of early 19th century pottery sherds were determined•Glaze Pb content decreased over time and could be used for dating manufacture•μXRF was the most effective and economical method for identifying pigments•SEM-EDS determined lower weight metals in glazes but with more sample preparation•Rare earth element variations suggest different sources for similar looking sherds
ISSN:2352-409X
DOI:10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.05.014