Contamination in Organic Residue AnalysisA Cautionary Tale

Mazow, Laura; Grieve, Susanne; Kennedy, Anthony

doi:10.5325/jeasmedarcherstu.2.2.0090

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Research Article| June 01 2014

Contamination in Organic Residue Analysis: A Cautionary Tale

Laura Mazow;

Laura Mazow

laura mazow is an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropologyc at East Carolina University. Her research interests are investigating the function of Bronze and Iron Age bathtub installations, and reconstructing ancient textile technologies and related cross-craft interactions.

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Susanne Grieve;

Susanne Grieve

susanne grieve graduated with a BA from the University of West Florida in anthropology, specializing in archaeology and conservation, and an MA in conservation from University College London. Grieve is currently an objects conservator and the director of conservation at East Carolina University.

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Anthony Kennedy

anthony kennedy is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at East Carolina University and obtained his PhD in physical/analytical chemistry from Trinity College, Dublin, in 1996. He has over 15 years of experience applying spectroscopy to various fields.

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Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage Studies (2014) 2 (2): 90–109.

https://doi.org/10.5325/jeasmedarcherstu.2.2.0090

ABSTRACT

The excitement of finding ceramic materials on an excavation often leads to questions of function and use that can affect the final interpretation of a site. Organic residue analysis (ORA) is commonly used in determining artifact function. ORA requires collaboration between an archaeologist and chemist in the analysis of the materials. But, the significance of sampling methods is often understated. In addition, the various instruments used to perform the analysis are often seen by the archaeologist as infallible and the data believed to be easily interpretable. This article presents a case study that highlights the role of selectivity in ORA and cautions the reader against generalized interpretations that can provide false positives.

2014

The Pennsylvania State University

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Contamination in Organic Residue Analysis: A Cautionary Tale

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