Objects: Reluctant Witnesses to the Past

This book shows students, curators, scientists and archaeologists how they can investigate ancient artifacts, from the Bayeux Tapestry to medieval brass pins, to uncover information about the past.

List of illustrations

x

Acknowledgements

xiii

Preface

xv

1 Investigating objects: theories and approaches

1

(43)

1.1 Definition of objects/artefacts

1

(1)

1.2 Objects in the present

2

(2)

1.3 Objects of the past

4

(2)

1.4 Theoretical approaches to objects

6

(6)

1.5 Design theory

12

(1)

1.6 Objects as production and use sequences

13

(4)

1.7 Factors affecting the study of objects

17

(4)

1.8 Research and investigation techniques for objects

21

(23)

INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

1.9 Systematic visual analysis (FOCUS)

26

(2)

1.10 Stereo microscopy

28

(5)

CASE STUDIES

1.11 Coppergate Anglian helmet

33

(11)

2 Objects as social indicators (form, decoration and display) - WHO?

44

(50)

2.1 Comparative analogy

44

(2)

2.2 Form, style and dimension

46

(2)

2.3 Typology and classification

48

(3)

2.4 Decoration and images

51

(5)

2.5 Text and inscriptions

56

(3)

2.6 Context

59

(3)

2.7 Coloration and coatings

62

(7)

2.8 Artists, craftsmen and makers' marks

69

(25)

INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

2.9 Examination under UV and IR radiation

73

(1)

2.10 X-radiography

74

(6)

CASE STUDIES

2.11 Bayeux (Tapestry) embroidery

80

(8)

2.12 Portrait of Prince Henry on horseback

88

(6)

3 Objects as products (manufacture) — HOW?

94

(44)

3.1 Introduction

94

(2)

3.2 Materials: technical properties

96

(4)

3.3 Materials: cultural influences

100

(2)

3.4 Materials: economic constraints

102

(8)

3.5 New materials

110

(2)

3.6 Marks of manufacture (tool marks)

112

(5)

3.7 Assembly

117

(21)

INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

3.8 Microscopy: fibre and wood identification

122

(2)

3.9 Microscopy: petrology

124

(1)

3.10 Microscopy: metallography

125

(1)

3.11 Microscopy: paint cross sections

126

(2)

CASE STUDIES

3.12 Medieval brass pins

128

(10)

4 Objects and materials as trade goods (provenance) - WHERE?

138

(37)

4.1 Trade and exchange

138

(4)

4.2 Modelling trade and distributions

142

(2)

4.3 Provenance: natural materials

144

(6)

4.4 Provenance: natural materials — examples

150

(3)

4.5 Provenance: man-made materials — examples

153

(22)

INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

4.6 EDXRF: energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence

155

(3)

4.7 ICPS: induction-coupled plasma spectrometry

158

(3)

CASE STUDIES

4.8 Milton Keynes pendant

161

(6)

4.9 Blue-and-white china (to AD 1800)

167

(8)

5 Objects as functional implements (use) — WHY?

175

(30)

5.1 Introduction

175

(3)

5.2 Deposits on object surfaces

178

(6)

5.3 Wear and damage

184

(5)

5.4 Repair and reuse

189

(2)

5.5 Decay

191

(14)

INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

5.6 GC gas chromatography

194

(1)

5.7 SEM. scanning electron microscopy

195

(4)

CASE STUDIES

5.8 Winchester Reliquary

199

(6)

6 Objects as record (information and education) — WHEN?

205

(36)

6.1 Heirlooms and proof of the past

205

(5)

6.2 Dating

210

(3)

6.3 Fakes and forgeries

213

(4)

6.4 Objects as part of collections

217

(3)

6.5 Conclusion

220

(21)

INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

6.6 Recording and reporting

222

(3)

CASE STUDIES

6.7 Han dynasty mirror

225

(5)

6.8 Durham Cathedral door

230

(11)

Bibliography

241

(18)

Index

259

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Objects: Reluctant Witnesses to the Past

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials