Classification of Pottery Using Elemental Concentration Data

A general discussion of the Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) method for chemical fingerprinting, especially for the provenance determination of pottery, and of the statistical data evaluation to compare elemental composition patterns was presented. The special statistical filter and the programme procedure developed in this institute was explained and its main advantages (consideration of errors and dilution effects) compared to the generally applied methods were discussed. The classification of archaeological objects can clearly be improved using this filter. A distribution of this programme to other research groups turned out to be difficult, since the programming language and the inputs and outputs are outdated today. However, a start was made transferring a newly assembled version of the programme running under Windows to Brazil, made possible by a grant of the IAEA to a student from Sao Paulo visiting Bonn for two month. The Windows version of the programme is available from Bonn and now also from Sao Paulo, but it can be used only after a special training in Bonn or Sao Paulo. (author)