MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

MCI 6283 Maya Ceramic Texture and Temper
MCI Staff: Mel J. Wachowiak
Multifocus microscopical imaging of ceramic sherds’ texture and temper will capture
high resolution, extended depth of field not possible with traditional imaging. Trials of this
technique were conducted to demonstrate the methodology which yielded excellent results. The
breaks were fresh and avoided destruction of painted or incised decoration while preserving the
maximum diameter and rim to base structure. The high-resolution reference base of images will
contribute to the facilitation of the characterization of archaeological ceramic texture and temper
classes. The advantages of this method are: it permits a sufficiently large number of
characterization leading to statistical assessment; it provides inexpensive characterization of
potentially “local” versus “non local” manufacture; and it provides a sort according to tempertexture
classes prior to more intensive, and expensive means of characterization.
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