11404
Accession Number
20350
Author
Gorelick, L.; Gwinnett, A.J.
Editor
Olin, Jacqueline S.; Blackman, M. James
Author Affiliation
State University of New York at Stony Brook. School of Dental Medicine; State University of New York at Stony Brook. School of Dental Medicine
Title Of Article Chaper
Further authenticity analysis of statuettes similar to those in the Mildenberg collection
Title Of Journal Book
Proceedings of the 24th International Archaeometry Symposium
Pages
63-72
Collation
10 p. : ills., 12 figs. (black and white photos), table
Reference Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references
Publisher
Smithsonian Institution Press
Publisher City
Washington
Language Of Text
English
Language Of Summary
English
Literature Type
Monograph : Proceedings
Literature Level
Analytic
Meeting
International Archaeometry Symposium (24th : 1984 : Smithsonian Institution)
Meeting City
Washington, D.C.
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to describe a second investigation of a large group of 13 statuettes made of stone that we have identified by EDAX, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy as rich in dickite, a ubiquitous clay material commonly found in the region of the Caspian Sea. These artifacts are unprovenienced of questionable authenticity, and highly controversial although being bought and currently exhibited in American museums. The methods that we have used to establish their authenticity include 1) by scanning electron microscopy, experimental duplication of pattern of drill marks found on all the artifacts in order to determine if they could have been made with a contemporary drill or an ancient one; 2) a cross-sectional analysis of the drill holes to determine if they were made with a rotary drill or a hand-held borer showing incomplete rotation; (3) experimental stressing by alternating application of physical, chemical, and thermal means to duplicate the pattern of fine fracture lines present on all the artifacts; and (4) thermoluminescence to determine if and when the pieces were subject to thermal changes.
Keywords
artifact;stone;Neolithic;forgery;SEM;flint;spalling -- CAL
pub_id
11404
Meeting Date
19840514-19840518