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Ash and Dung Calcitic Micro-remains

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Handbook for the Analysis of Micro-Particles in Archaeological Samples

Part of the book series: Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology ((IDCA))

Abstract

Ash pseudomorphs and dung spherulites are calcitic micro-remains. The former is found in large quantities in wood ash and the latter in animal dung. In this chapter, we describe the formation and composition of these micro-remains and discuss their significance for archaeological interpretation. Additionally, we describe the methods used for their extraction from archaeological deposits, identification using a polarized light microscope and quantification. Finally, we highlight their preservation potential and discuss taphonomic processes that may result in misidentification and/or impaired archaeological interpretation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Shira Gur-Arieh

  2. Department of Maritime Civilizations, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

    Shira Gur-Arieh & Ruth Shahack-Gross

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  1. Shira Gur-Arieh
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  2. Ruth Shahack-Gross
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Correspondence to Shira Gur-Arieh .

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  1. HARVEST Project, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Amanda G. Henry

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Gur-Arieh, S., Shahack-Gross, R. (2020). Ash and Dung Calcitic Micro-remains. In: Henry, A.G. (eds) Handbook for the Analysis of Micro-Particles in Archaeological Samples. Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42622-4_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42622-4_6

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