DIGITAL IMAGING AND ARCHAEOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE CASCAJAL BLOCK: ESTABLISHING CONTEXT AND AUTHENTICITY FOR THE EARLIEST KNOWN OLMEC TEXT
Fiche du document
2019
- handle: 10670/1.o1asf2
- hal: hal-02502631
- doi: 10.1017/S0956536119000257
Ce document est lié à :
info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/doi/10.1017/S0956536119000257
Sujets proches
Semeiotics Signs Symbolic representation Symbols Representation, Symbolic Methods of analysis Analysis and chemistry Analytical methods Chemical analysis Analysis methods Analysis and examinationCiter ce document
Joshua Englehardt et al., « DIGITAL IMAGING AND ARCHAEOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE CASCAJAL BLOCK: ESTABLISHING CONTEXT AND AUTHENTICITY FOR THE EARLIEST KNOWN OLMEC TEXT », HAL-SHS : archéologie, ID : 10.1017/S0956536119000257
Métriques
Partage / Export
Résumé
Although the Cascajal Block (CB), an incised greenstone slab from southeastern Veracruz, Mexico, arguably contains the earliest written text in the New World, debate remains regarding the object's authenticity, dating, and cultural affiliation. To address these issues, this article details recent analyses of the CB via polynomial texture mapping (PTM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PTM revealed new details that have resulted in a new epigraphic drawing of the block's incised text and allowed for improved identification of several constituent signs. Spectrometric analysis confirmed that the chemical composition of the CB matrix is consistent with serpentine and identified a uniform patina on its surface, which provided additional contextual data. SEM micrographs of polymer replica molds taken from the incised text evidence manufacturing traces that correspond to lapidary techniques observed on other Formative-period Olmec objects of secure provenience. Results assist in clarifying the archaeological contexts of the object and confirm that in terms of symbols, material, and manufacture the CB conforms to other Formative-period Olmec objects, supporting the object's authenticity, dating, and cultural affiliation.