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Soapstone artifacts: tracing prehistoric trade patterns in virgimna.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 10, 1975
Summary
Rare earth element analysis of soapstone artifacts revealed their geological origins in prehistoric Virginia quarries. This research suggests ancient sociopolitical boundaries existed earlier than previously believed.
Area of Science:
- Archaeological Science
- Geochemistry
- Materials Analysis
Background:
- Soapstone artifacts are common in prehistoric Virginia.
- Understanding the provenance of these artifacts is crucial for reconstructing past trade networks and social interactions.
- Previous studies have not definitively linked artifactual soapstone to specific geological sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the geological source of soapstone artifacts found in eastern Virginia.
- To investigate the potential for tracing artifact provenance using rare earth element (REE) analysis.
- To infer the age of sociopolitical boundaries in prehistoric Virginia based on material sourcing.
Main Methods:
- Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was employed to measure REE abundances.
- REE profiles of soapstone samples from known quarries were compared to those from archaeological artifacts.
- Statistical analysis was used to match artifactual material to specific geological outcrops.
Main Results:
- Distinct REE abundance patterns were identified in soapstone from different eastern Virginia quarries.
- Artifactual soapstone samples were successfully traced to specific quarry sources.
- The sourcing data indicated established trade or movement patterns during the first millennium B.C.
Conclusions:
- Rare earth element analysis is a viable method for sourcing soapstone artifacts.
- The findings push back the inferred timeline for certain sociopolitical boundaries in prehistoric Virginia.
- This study enhances our understanding of resource utilization and social dynamics in the region.
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