ANYL 83 |
| Understanding the specific use and purpose of archaeological specimens such as stone axes and grinding stones continues to be a perplexing problem. Traditional form-function relationships provide strong clues to the specific use of these implements. Yet, chemical analysis of residues preserved on these tools may provide key information in identifying how the tool was implemented. Chemical analysis has the potential to identify trace components associated with plant and animal materials. The basic assumption of residue studies is that different plants and animals produce different types and quantities of organic compounds. The goal of our on going research is to develop and implement the methods needed for the analysis of tools uncovered at the City of Rocks National Monument. The analysis implements chemical extraction techniques that do not alter artifact integrity, analyte modification through transesterification to enhance volatility, and final identification by direct injection GC-MS methods. |
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General Session
7:00 PM-9:00 PM, Sunday, 26 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- Ex. Hall B4, Poster
Sci-Mix
Division of Analytical Chemistry |