| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Scientific Methods in Art, Archeology, and Art Conservation Science
|
| Presentation Title |
ACerS AACS Anna Shepard Award Lecture: 1954 to 2024: Endurance and Innovation in Anna Shepard's Thin-Section Petrography Approach for Archaeological Ceramics Analysis |
| Author(s) |
Chandra Reedy |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Chandra Reedy |
| Abstract Scope |
Anna O. Shepard demonstrated 70 years ago that thin-section petrography of archaeological ceramics reveals mineralogical and microstructural characteristics connected to deliberate choices in raw materials selection, processing, production, and firing methods. While still true today, we can now augment this technique with an ever-growing array of non-destructive analysis tools that extend thin-section petrography in new ways. Optical photothermal IR + Raman spectroscopy at sub-micron levels on polished thin sections helps to confirm mineral identifications and distributions in an efficient manner. Micro-computed tomography of ceramic sherds before sampling for thin section preparation gives 3D views of the material; 3D image analysis provides quantitative data on ceramic pore systems and on non-plastic particle distributions. Combining the 2D and 3D data allows simulations of performance characteristics such as thermal conductivity to study use properties. Examples of this combined approach will be given, including bodies and glazes from a variety of ceramic traditions. |