Dating Pottery Shards

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Scott
Part Timer
Posts: 69
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2002 3:49 pm

Dating Pottery Shards

Post by Scott »

I could likely find the info Myself ,but I always get caught up in the images of the pottery pieces . I need to gauge the dates of pottery found
at several sites. I am trying to date when the sites were worked /filled.
I have seen the changes in styles and craftsmanship when removing
overburden during mining at other claims.Anyone know the accuracy of carbon dating? I remember a university study in the 70's north east of circle u ranch by Mc Laughlin claims.
I believe there may be a minimum time lapse before testing is accurate?
Regards , Scott.
Joe Ribaudo
Expert
Posts: 5453
Joined: Tue Sep 17, 2002 10:36 pm

Dating

Post by Joe Ribaudo »

Scott,

Welcome back.

I don't know a lot about the subject, but that has never stopped me from commenting before.

From what I have read, most dating of pottery was done by things like: patterns, style and objects near the shards, such as camp fires, bones, etc.

I believe there is a fairly new method which requires extracting animal fat from the shards.

If you like, I will get you a "qualified" opinion.

Take care,

Joe
Scott
Part Timer
Posts: 69
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2002 3:49 pm

Post by Scott »

I spent most the day researching pottery, It seems that trying to date
pottery within a time frame of 200 yrs is almost impossible unless it was used for food stuffs. Then its expensive and usually done at taxpayers expense or in university labs.
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