The Archaeology Webinar Series

A compound - specific radiocarbon dating protocol for archaeological pottery at the ORAU

2025-05-07 17:002025-05-07 18:30Asia/Hong_KongA compound – specific radiocarbon dating protocol for archaeological pottery at the ORAU

A compound – specific radiocarbon dating protocol for archaeological pottery at the ORAU

 

Date: May 7, 2025 (Wed)

Time: 17:00 – 18:30 HKT

Online via Zoom | Register now

 

Speaker:

Dr. Qian Ma

Research Associate

Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit

School of Archaeology

University of Oxford

    2025-05-07 17:002025-05-07 18:30Asia/Hong_KongA compound – specific radiocarbon dating protocol for archaeological pottery at the ORAU

    A compound – specific radiocarbon dating protocol for archaeological pottery at the ORAU

     

    Date: May 7, 2025 (Wed)

    Time: 17:00 – 18:30 HKT

    Online via Zoom | Register now

     

    Speaker:

    Dr. Qian Ma

    Research Associate

    Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit

    School of Archaeology

    University of Oxford

      Overview

      Title:

      A compound – specific radiocarbon dating protocol for archaeological pottery at the ORAU

      Speaker:

      Dr. Qian Ma
      Research Associate
      Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit
      School of Archaeology
      University of Oxford

      Date/Time:

      May 7, 2025 (Wed) 17:00 – 18:30 HKT

      Venue:

       Via Zoom

      Language:

      English

      Enquiry:

      Title:

      A compound – specific radiocarbon dating protocol for archaeological pottery at the ORAU

      Speaker:

      Dr. Qian Ma
      Research Associate
      Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit
      School of Archaeology
      University of Oxford

      Date/Time:

      May 7, 2025 (Wed) 17:00 – 18:30 HKT

      Venue:

       Via Zoom

      Language:

      English

      Enquiry:

      Abstract

      Radiocarbon dating plays a pivotal role in establishing reliable chronologies in both archaeological and paleoenvironmental studies, spanning the last 55,000 years. Pottery, pervasive in the archaeological record, offers a crucial avenue for dating human activity during the Holocene. Traditionally, radiocarbon dating of pottery has involved the targeting of different carbonaceous fractions, e.g., temper, or by measuring associated materials like bone and charcoal. Inaccuracies can arise, however, if the targeted fraction does not reflect the timing of vessel use or if there are stratigraphic ambiguities. Over the past decades, researchers have pursued an alternative avenue; leveraging lipid residues, particularly fatty acids absorbed into pottery walls during the processing and storage of plant and animal-derived foods, for radiocarbon dating. This approach holds promise for delivering highly accurate measurements directly correlating to vessel use. At the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit, efforts have been made to refine this methodology through compound-specific radiocarbon dating of pottery, employing gas chromatography (GC)- preparative fraction collector (PFC). Here, we delineate the developed methodology and present preliminary findings, including analyses conducted on pottery samples sourced from an archaeological site with a well-established chronology.

       

      The Archaeology Webinar Series

      aims to provide a platform for scholars, students, and enthusiasts to discuss and share knowledge about archaeology, its importance, recent discoveries, research methods, and its significance in understanding the past. The series aims to promote awareness, education, and appreciation for archaeology among academia and the general public and foster a sense of curiosity and interest in exploring our shared human history.

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