MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

MCI 6118.4 Historic Human Bone
MCI Staff: Nicole C. Little, Irma Molina, R. Jeff Speakman
This preliminary study determined whether external contaminants (i.e., adhered dirt)
affect lead concentrations as measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), in comparison with
measurements obtained by ICP-MS. Lead standards will be manufactured and analyzed by
digestion ICP-MS for cross-calibration. Successful calibration of XRF for analysis of lead in
bone will potentially be used as a non-destructive determination of health and social status in
early colonial populations.
MCI 6126.1 Clovis Obsidian Biface from Idaho
MCI Staff: Mel J. Wachowiak, B. Vicky Karas, Christie N. Pohl, R. Jeff Speakman
3-D scanning of a Clovis obsidian biface was carried out to assess the quality of 3-D scan
data and to determine the data’s potential for producing precise physical replicas of this object.
The Clovis biface is a stone tool over 10,000 years old, it is important to maintain the stone’s
intrinsic research value through replication without compromising its complex geometric angles
and other diagnostic surface characteristics. Using 3-D digital data collected from non-contact 3-
D scanning would significantly mitigate the possibility of damage to the object. In addition to
creating a physical replica, the decision to document and archive this object by highly accurate
metrological 3-D imaging will allow for high resolution virtual study and presentation to a much
broader audience.
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