Sequencing Analytical Methods for Small Sample Dating and Dye Identification of Textile Fibers: Application to a Fragment from Seip Mound Group, Ohio. Issue 1 (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Armitage, Ruth Ann; Jakes, Kathryn A.
• Is Part Of: Midcontinental journal of archaeology. Volume 41:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: DART-MS -- radiocarbon date -- dye -- textile -- Hopewell -- Ohio; Indians of North America -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; United States -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; 977
• DOI: 10.1179/2327427115Y.0000000009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-1109

Abstract

Abstract : Examination of fibers from a colored fabric fragment from Seip Mound Group, Ohio, demonstrates the utility of sequencing analytical techniques: (1) minimally destructive pretreatment to remove humic acids followed by plasma-chemical oxidation, in preparation for accelerator mass spectrometric determination of radiocarbon age and (2) direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) of the pretreatment solution, for the determination of red colorants. Pretreatment followed by plasma-chemical oxidation provided the opportunity to date 3 mg of fiber using just 200 mcg of carbon. Examination of the pretreatment solution by DART-MS confirmed the composition of anthraquinones consistent with those from bedstraw root ( Galium sp.). The date determined (1, 805 ± 35 B.P.) places the textile in the midrange of radiocarbon dates previously obtained for the Seip earthworks; identification of the dye plant shows that the Hopewell possessed a sophisticated knowledge of plants and their uses.