During the last decade, archaeologists have widely accepted the use of geophysical exploration techniques, including magnetic, resistivity and electromagnetic methods, for pre-excavation site assessment. Although researchers were quick to recognize the potential of seismic techniques to provide cross-sectional images of the subsurface, early feasibility studies concluded that seismic methods were inappropriate due to restricted resolving power and the relatively small-scale nature of archaeological features. Unfortunately, this self-fulfilling prophesy endures and has largely discouraged subsequent attempts to exploit seismic methods for archaeological reconnaissance. Meanwhile, however, seismic technology has been revolutionized in connection with engineering, groundwater and environmental applications. Attention to detail in developing both instrumentation and data acquisition techniques has yielded a many-fold improvement in seismic resolving power. In light of these advances, this dissertation re-examines the potential of reflection seismology for archaeological remote sensing. It is not the objective of this dissertation to deliver an unequivocal pronouncement on the ultimate utility of reflection seismology for the investigation of archaeological sites. Rather, the goal has been to establish a sound theoretical foundation for objective evaluation of the method's potential and future development. In particular, a thorough theoretical analysis of seismic detection and resolution yields practical performance and identifies frequency response characteristics associated with optimum resolution. Findings have guided subsequent adaptation, development and integration of seismic instrumentation, resulting in a prototype system for high-resolution seismic imaging of the shallow subsurface. Finally, to assess system performance and the suitability of optimum offset data acquisition techniques, a full-scale subsurface model has been constructed, allowing direct comparison between experimental soundings and known subsurface structure. Results demonstrate the potential of reflection seismology to resolve near-surface features on the scale of archaeological interest. Moreover, despite conventional wisdom that the groundpenetrating radar method possesses vastly superior resolving power, acquisition of coincident radar soundings demonstrates that the two techniques provide comparable resolution. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate

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The placement of the dead is important for considering social memory, a source of collective knowledge and experiences that shapes social group identity. Mortuary placement is one form of ritual action that communities undertake to remember the dead. This allows anthropologists to ask questions about how humans engaged socially with each other and the landscape. This thesis utilizes an innovative methodological approach combining geographic information systems (GIS) and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis to investigate mortuary variation and social identity within the Late Intermediate Period site (A.D. 800 – 1535) Kuelap in the northern Peruvian Andes. Spatial, demographic, and isotopic data are both examined to better understand mortuary behavior. Researchers utilizing these methods typically examine environmental variation or human mobility on a large scale. This project's case study involves examining 440 individuals by grouping burials by mortuary types, age-at-death, and osteological sex. Spatial autocorrelation results indicate significant spatial clustering for age-at-death, mortuary types, and carbon stable isotopes. Hotspot analyses suggests significant clustering for all variables. Statistical tests indicate significant differences in carbon stable isotopes and no significant differences for nitrogen stable isotopes. The results suggest that the mortuary landscape at Kuelap is primarily shaped by social memory practices regarding the deceased and was likely not attached to specific ideas regarding age and sex identities. This research successfully utilizes a novel methodological approach to provide a deeper understanding of Chachapoya mortuary practices.

Sharp force trauma (SFT) is a mechanism of traumatic injury in which a tool with a pointed or slanted edge impacts the skin and/or bone, producing a penetrating cut mark. Current assessment of forensic and bioarchaeological contexts typically focuses on evaluating and interpreting traumatic injuries to bone due to cutting and stabbing using small, bladed tools, primarily knives and saws. Minimal research focuses on the damage inflicted by a larger class of chopping/hacking tools. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to experimentally evaluate and analyze macroscopic characteristics of chopping/hacking trauma inflicted on pig bones (Sus scrofa domesticus) to determine if differentiation of chopping/hacking tool type can be made based on the characteristics that occur on bone. Trauma was inflicted to 20 partially fleshed pig limbs utilizing four chopping/hacking tools (i.e., axe, hatchet, machete, and cleaver) as well as a carving knife for comparison. The limbs were macerated and cleaned, then macroscopic evaluation and data analysis of 16 sharp force cut mark characteristics was conducted to assess statistical significance. Interobserver error data was also collected and evaluated. Utilizing a chi-square analysis, three of the 16 sharp force cut mark characteristics demonstrated statistically significant differences in relation to the tool utilized, though Cramer's V correlations indicate weak effect sizes. For interobserver error, the kappa value for the overall measure of agreement concerning characteristics for each tool type and characteristics regardless of tool type indicated substantial agreement for both categories. While similar trends in wall regularity, kerf bisection, and edge chattering have been demonstrated in the current experimental literature, the results relating to the macroscopic differentiation of chopping/hacking tool mark characteristics on bone were not strongly confirmed. Future analysis utilizing both macroscopic and microscopic methods is planned as previous research has noted tool class characteristics may be differentiated microscopically.

The primary goal of a forensic archaeologist is to reconstruct the context of scenes involving skeletal remains using recording and mapping methods. However, the outdoor locations of most forensic archaeology scenes can result in difficulties when recording and mapping scenes. While close-range photogrammetry (CRP) has been considered for documenting context of forensic sciences, this method lacks a sufficient procedural basis to guide data recording when encountering problematic environmental conditions. The purpose of this research is to test how light correction tools, a sheet and artificial lights, could improve harsh lighting conditions. Photographs were taken of controlled scenes with skeletal remains in open, dappled, and shaded lighting environments, and the models were processed using Agisoft® Metashape® Professional. Phase 1 tested three different scenarios with four different iterations while varying the light correction tools: (1) no artificial lighting tool; (2) only a sheet over the scene; (3) artificial lights placed around the scene; and (4) a combination of lights and sheet. The accuracy was assessed quantitatively, using the root-mean square (RMS) reprojection error and total scale bar error, and qualitatively. The results indicated that no significant quantitative accuracy of the model changed between iterations. However, the visual accuracy of the scene did improve with the sheet by decreasing shadows across the scene. Phase 2 tested two larger scenarios using the same four iterations. While the models were all highly accurate quantitatively, the iterations that included the sheet appeared to have fewer qualitative errors. Guidelines are provided to successfully use light correction tools to improve harsh lighting conditions of outdoor scenes.

Trace element analysis of skeletal remains and teeth is a common research technique in biological and forensic anthropology. In particular, LA-ICP-MS has become a widely-accepted tool for analyzing and mapping the distribution of trace elements in teeth. Investigation into the relative spectral intensities and spatial distribution of thirteen trace isotopes (13C, 24Mg, 27Al, 31P, 44Ca, 47Ti, 52Cr, 55Mn, 56Fe, 66Zn, 88Sr, 138Ba, 208Pb) within teeth was undertaken using LA-ICP-MS. The total archaeological sample of teeth (N=26) was comprised of four tooth types (UCI, ULI, UPM1, and UPM2) and 18 individuals from a Postclassic Lamanai site. In preparation for analysis, teeth sectioned down the center using a low-speed saw. Maps were created using the laser ablation system and MATLAB software. The frequency of each isotope detected at low, moderate, and high intensities at each of the six defined tooth locations was calculated. The inner dentine and the outer root border were the two areas that most commonly exhibited the highest intensities of isotopes. Detection of major structural isotopes (44Ca and 31P) was similar in both spatial locations and relative intensity across all teeth. In comparison, detection of more minor isotopes, while similar in spatial locations across all teeth, varied in relative intensity per individual sample. The frequency that each isotope was detected also varied by tooth type. These findings demonstrate the disparities between different types of dental tissue for retaining trace elements and serve to illuminate possible sources of external exposure and internal bioavailability influencing interindividual variation within the Lamanai sample population. Variation in isotope frequency based on tooth type may be due to developmental properties and/or changes in diet during early life. Ultimately, teeth act as storehouses of trace elements, and maps of isotopic distribution in teeth help reveal how individuals are influenced by both biological processes and cultural activities.

During the 2019 field season of the Chan Chich Archaeological Project (CCAP)/Belize Estates Archaeological Survey Team's (BEAST) work in northwestern Belize, excavations commenced at an elite household at the site of Gallon Jug, named Courtyard B-1. Excavations revealed intriguing details about the lives of the inhabitants through the presence of burials, ceramics, architecture, and – as is central to this research – Patolli boards. Patolli, a prehistoric game of chance played throughout Mesoamerican, is a relatively under researched topic within the field of archaeology. In this thesis I argue that the patolli boards at Gallon Jug portray evidence of elite competition and shifts to social dynamics at the site. Through the analysis of setting, symbolism and the available data regarding patolli across the Maya region, this research shows that even something as seemingly mundane as a game of chance can yield valuable insights into the lives of those who played them.

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No / First presented at an August 2001 national meeting of the American Chemical Society, material in this book provides a cross-section of current research in the area of chemistry applied to archaeological questions. Examples are given of the use of analytical methods in the study of a variety of archaeological materials, and inferences that can be made based on data patterns are discussed. Emphasis is on nondestructive testing and new developments in determining an object's age and composition.

No / This authoritative book combines contributions from experts in academic, governmental and industrial environments, to provide a unique, comprehensive look at: - Why hair can serve as an invaluable bio-resource in toxicology, with up-to-date reviews on hair growth, hair fibre formation and hair pigmentation - Information (including regulatory details) on the exposure of hair (and by extension the body) to drug and non-drug chemicals and pollutants - Toxicological issues relevant to the use of hair products (including colourants, shampoos and depilatories) - The ability of hair to capture information on personal identity, chemical exposure, and environmental interactions - How hair can provide an understanding of human life from archaeological and historical perspectives - Future direction in the use of hair in toxicology Hair in Toxicology: An Important Biomonitor is ideal as a reference and guide to investigations in the biomedical, biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences at the graduate and post graduate level.