Radiographic Analysis of Temper in Ceramic Vessels: Goals and Initial Methods

AbstractAbstractInformation on several characteristics of temper particles can aid the archaeologist in interpreting details of ceramic vessel use and functional variation. The paper summarizes theoretical reasons and experimental procedures for using X-radiography to obtain rapid, low-cost quantitative measurements of the sizes, shape, density, and orientation of temper particles. The feasibility of this approach is assessed using Woodland period pottery from the central midwestern United States. The paper concludes with a discussion of technical limitations and areas for further investigation and procedural refinement.