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k0-INAA of Venezuelan ceramics and complete statistical analysis to establish their provenance

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Abstract

A group of 46 archaeological figurines samples (ad 1300 and 1500) from Venezuelan mainland and northern island were analyzed by k0-instrumental neutron activation analysis (k0-INAA) to obtain their elemental content and give a step ahead to establish the provenance of the island figurines. In total 37 elemental concentrations were measured with uncertainties between 3 and 20 %. To make the study of provenance, a complete statistical analysis was achieved; Fisher linear discriminant, principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering and the Hotelling T2 test were used to this end. Furthermore, not only the 46 samples analyzed in this work by k0-INAA were used, but also 40 samples analyzed by PGNAA and reported by Sajo-Bohus et al. (JRNC 265(2):247–256, 2005) were included in the statistical analysis. It was done in order to increase the size of the data set, and then to obtain from the statistical techniques more reliable results. It was found that a very good differentiation exits between the figurines from the island and from the mainland supporting the idea that the raw materials of the figurines come from different places.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the Department of International Relationships of the Simón Bolívar University for the financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidad Simon Bolívar, Apdo 89000, Caracas, 1080, Venezuela

    F. Pino, A. M. Sajo-Castelli, H. Barros, L. Sajo Bohus, Ma. M. Mackowiak de Antczak & A. Antczak

  2. SCK CEN Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Mol, Belgium

    P. Vermaercke & L. Sneyers

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  1. F. Pino
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  2. A. M. Sajo-Castelli
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  3. H. Barros
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  4. P. Vermaercke
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  5. L. Sneyers
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  6. L. Sajo Bohus
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  7. Ma. M. Mackowiak de Antczak
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  8. A. Antczak
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Correspondence to F. Pino.

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Pino, F., Sajo-Castelli, A.M., Barros, H. et al. k0-INAA of Venezuelan ceramics and complete statistical analysis to establish their provenance. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 298, 1257–1272 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-013-2603-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-013-2603-y

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