University of the Aegean
Mediterranean Studies, Lab of Archaeometry
The cave of Daraki-Chattan (in Rewa river, India) bears important palaeolithic rock art (petroglyphs), while the environs is exceptionally rich in stone tools, mostly of the Acheulian. The field survey and excavations in the area found... more
The cave of Daraki-Chattan (in Rewa river, India) bears important palaeolithic rock art (petroglyphs), while the environs is exceptionally rich in stone tools, mostly of the Acheulian. The field survey and excavations in the area found cupule panel fragments almost down to bedrock; Acheulian industry to Oldowan-like industry including several hammerstones. Early work demonstrated that at least some of the petroglyphs were of the earliest documented occupation of the region. Exfoliated pieces and boulders from the rock surface were found in the sediments, some bearing cupules and grooves. Here a detailed methodological procedure is enacted consisting of luminescence dating reinforced by miner-alogical issues, where the latter secures credibility of the former. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), of the luminescence versus depth profiles, following blue LED and Single Aliquot Regeneration (SAR) technique of quartz, was applied following the surface luminescence dating versions to date this fallen rock. The two dose profiles from the sandstone studies provided an average date for the fallen boulder in the 13th millennium, providing a constrained terminus post quem. Surface patina and intrusion of (Fe, Mn) aluminosilicate weathering solution was examined in both luminescence profiles, properly dealt with issues of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), X-Ray Florescence-Energy Dispersive mode (XRF/ED), Cathodoluminescence, stereomicro-scope, thin sections optical microscopy (OM) and microdosimetry. Analytical petrographic results aided interpretation of luminescence data obtained. From the above rationale the two ages obtained from the two profiles can be considered close within errors, that coincide with the drastic change from last glaciation transition to the milder climate of the Holocene and the sudden end of colder Younger Dryas in ∼13th Ka BP, having an impact on the weathering, erosion and exfoliation of rock surfaces caused by the significant temperature change and the resulted thermal differential expansion of rocks (onset of the Holocene).
The cave of Daraki-Chattan (in Rewa river, India) bears important palaeolithic rock art (petroglyphs), while the environs is exceptionally rich in stone tools, mostly of the Acheulian. The field survey and excavations in the area found... more
The cave of Daraki-Chattan (in Rewa river, India) bears important palaeolithic rock art (petroglyphs), while the environs is exceptionally rich in stone tools, mostly of the Acheulian. The field survey and excavations in the area found cupule panel fragments almost down to bedrock; Acheulian industry to Oldowan-like industry including several hammerstones. Early work demonstrated that at least some of the petroglyphs were of the earliest documented occupation of the region. Exfoliated pieces and boulders from the rock surface were found in the sediments, some bearing cupules and grooves. Here a detailed methodological procedure is enacted consisting of luminescence dating reinforced by miner-alogical issues, where the latter secures credibility of the former. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), of the luminescence versus depth profiles, following blue LED and Single Aliquot Regeneration (SAR) technique of quartz, was applied following the surface luminescence dating versions to date this fallen rock. The two dose profiles from the sandstone studies provided an average date for the fallen boulder in the 13th millennium, providing a constrained terminus post quem. Surface patina and intrusion of (Fe, Mn) aluminosilicate weathering solution was examined in both luminescence profiles, properly dealt with issues of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-Ray Florescence-Energy Dispersive mode (XRF/ED), Cathodoluminescence, stereomicro-scope, thin sections optical microscopy (OM) and microdosimetry. Analytical petrographic results aided interpretation of luminescence data obtained. From the above rationale the two ages obtained from the two profiles can be considered close within errors, that coincide with the drastic change from last glaciation transition to the milder climate of the Holocene and the sudden end of colder Younger Dryas in ∼13th Ka BP, having an impact on the weathering, erosion and exfoliation of rock surfaces caused by the significant temperature change and the resulted thermal differential expansion of rocks (onset of the Holocene).
- by Vayia Xanthopoulou and +2
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The cave of Daraki-Chattan (in Rewa river, India) bears important palaeolithic rock art (petroglyphs), while the environs is exceptionally rich in stone tools, mostly of the Acheulian. The field survey and excavations in the area found... more
The cave of Daraki-Chattan (in Rewa river, India) bears important palaeolithic rock art (petroglyphs), while the environs is exceptionally rich in stone tools, mostly of the Acheulian. The field survey and excavations in the area found cupule panel fragments almost down to bedrock; Acheulian industry to Oldowan-like industry including several hammerstones. Early work demonstrated that at least some of the petroglyphs were of the earliest documented occupation of the region. Exfoliated pieces and boulders from the rock surface were found in the sediments, some bearing cupules and grooves. Here a detailed methodological procedure is enacted consisting of luminescence dating reinforced by miner-alogical issues, where the latter secures credibility of the former. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), of the luminescence versus depth profiles, following blue LED and Single Aliquot Regeneration (SAR) technique of quartz, was applied following the surface luminescence dating versions to date this fallen rock. The two dose profiles from the sandstone studies provided an average date for the fallen boulder in the 13th millennium, providing a constrained terminus post quem. Surface patina and intrusion of (Fe, Mn) aluminosilicate weathering solution was examined in both luminescence profiles, properly dealt with issues of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-Ray Florescence-Energy Dispersive mode (XRF/ED), Cathodoluminescence, stereomicro-scope, thin sections optical microscopy (OM) and microdosimetry. Analytical petrographic results aided interpretation of luminescence data obtained. From the above rationale the two ages obtained from the two profiles can be considered close within errors, that coincide with the drastic change from last glaciation transition to the milder climate of the Holocene and the sudden end of colder Younger Dryas in ∼13th Ka BP, having an impact on the weathering, erosion and exfoliation of rock surfaces caused by the significant temperature change and the resulted thermal differential expansion of rocks (onset of the Holocene).
Hundred twenty archaeological ceramics (potsherds, figurines, stirrup jars) as well as experimental briquettes made from local clays fired at different temperatures were examined for their color index chromatic scale. Color was measured... more
Hundred twenty archaeological ceramics (potsherds, figurines, stirrup jars) as well as experimental briquettes made from local clays fired at different temperatures were examined for their color index chromatic scale. Color was measured on clean surfaces, clearly fine decoration layers, from the Late Mycenaean settlement at Kastrouli, Central Greece. The aim is to critically assess these quantitative attributions of a color index to ceramic surfaces which depends on several factors, such as the type of clay, firing regime, subjective evaluation, lighting conditions. Our endeavor and aim are to classify groups of similar color that may imply same firing conditions and clay sources. The color perception within a chromatic context is investigated and the effect of light on color appearance is assessed. Indeed, apparent subjective differences in Munsell color evaluation, the sensitivity of chosen surface area and photo shooting setting under different light conditions are observed. Init...
The Shipwreck (Navagio) is the most important touristic attraction of Zakynthos island in Greece and its fame radius is expanding on a global scale. It is a 20 th century ship that in 1982 stray to a particularly inaccessible beach in the... more
The Shipwreck (Navagio) is the most important touristic attraction of Zakynthos island in Greece and its fame radius is expanding on a global scale. It is a 20 th century ship that in 1982 stray to a particularly inaccessible beach in the northwestern part of Zakynthos island. The particular sight is ranked every year very high on the lists of the most widespread destinations on a global scale. Although, it is a new ship it has received extensive publicity as cultural property of Greece. The main construction materials of Navagio is the metal, wood, and paints that have been used in the decoration of the ship. The Navagio is exposed and suffer every year to extreme environmental factors i.e temperature, humidity, salts, further vandalism, etc. Τhe main aim of this paper is the attempt to document the agents of deterioration, which rabidly destroy this ship and compare the levels of deterioration and preservation state with other shipwrecks in Greece in order to warn the owners or the involved institutions for its future preservation.
Paintings, mostly due to deteriorations, are sometimes repainted, concealing in underlayers important features, dates, names and other information. Conservators are facing dilemmas as to whether to preserve these interventions and... more
Paintings, mostly due to deteriorations, are sometimes repainted, concealing in underlayers important features, dates, names and other information. Conservators are facing dilemmas as to whether to preserve these interventions and retrieve valuable hidden information, but in the last decades the evolution of spectroscopic techniques has contributed to such uncertainties. The current brief review explains the intentional repaint and presents the techniques used around the world to visualize the underpainting layers, and how these techniques have developed from a simple X-Ray radiography and an infrared (IR) photography to mobile devices with great imaging capabilities. Case studies include Byzantine icons and oil paintings.
- by Maria Bratitsi
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