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Developing International Geoarchaeology 2009 / Conférence Avances en Géoarchéologie Internationale 2009
May 25th-29th, 2009
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) Workshop
As part of the DIG tradition we will be hosting a workshop during the 3 days preceding the conference, from May 25th-27th 2009. The theme of this workshop is Geochemical Characterization in Archaeology, and will take place at the Centre for Neutron Activation Analysis (CNAA) at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor. Participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with INAA, to attend informal discussions led by researchers in this facility, and to learn about the practical applications of INAA in geoarchaeological research. Workshop attendance will be limited so register early. Registration will open in Fall 2008.
Geochemical Characterization in Archaeology
Instrumental neutron activation analysis is a method used by those who are interested in the geochemical composition of archaeological and geological materials such as ceramics, lithics, mineral pigments, metals or glass. Geoarchaeologists most often use INAA to determine geological sources of archaeological materials, to characterize archaeological ceramics, or to determine the nature of ceramic production. This type of analysis is commonly associated with research questions related to ancient procurement, trade and exchange, craft production and resource acquisition.
Participation in this workshop will be suitable for both beginners and those with INAA experience. For those who have no previous experience with INAA, this will be an opportunity to learn about the method, how it works, to participate hands-on under the guidance of experts, and to learn about the practical applications of INAA through research projects currently underway at the CNAA. Those with INAA experience will become acquainted with the capabilities and services of the McMaster Nuclear Reactor. Participants will leave at the end of the workshop with a small, functional data set they will have created.
As a participant you will be encouraged to bring 2-3 archaeological or geological specimens for analysis, however you are not required to bring anything. Any type of material can be used. For this exercise, we do not encourage that you bring museum quality artifacts. If you are interested in participating, please contact us via email (dig@mcmaster.ca) and we will gladly go over the specifications for the specimens you intend to bring.
Brief Outline of Workshop Proceedings
The first day of the workshop will consist of an introductory talk on the principles of neutron activation analysis, safety training, a tour of the Nuclear Research facilities and demonstrations of sample preparation methods. The second day of the workshop will include demonstration and discussion of short-lived irradiation procedures, followed by short presentations on some of the current archaeological projects at the CNAA. The third day will consist of discussion and demonstration of how geochemical data are generated and treated statistically, and how concentration data for elements that produce long-lived isotopes are acquired. At this time, participants will also have the opportunity to leave their samples for further analysis. Lunch, coffee breaks and snacks will be provided for all days.