Ivory identification in the archaeological contexts: a case study using the 3D digital microscopy

Title

Ivory identification in the archaeological contexts: a case study using the 3D digital microscopy

Creator(s)

Crezzini, Jacopo

Tarantini, Massimo

Bettini, Maria Chiara

Date

2022

Is Part Of

2022 IMEKO TC-4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, MetroArchaeo

Language

eng

Publisher

Elsevier

Abstract

The study of ivory remains in Prehistory and Protohistory represents a challenge for the archeologists due to the scarcity of these remains and to the fundamental need of non-destructive investigation techniques to preserve the integrity of the archaeological finds. In this work we preliminarly analyse a small sample from a wide archaeological assemblage composed of more than 10.000 ivory fragments from an Etruscan tumulus (Carmignano, Central Italy). The presence of "Schreger lines" on the surfaces of many specimens testifies that the main raw material exploited was the proboscidean dentine. Through the use of a 3D digital microscope it was possible to investigate the main micromorphological and micromorphometrical features of the dentine. The use of this non-invasive technology could be a powerful tool to obtain important information on proboscidean taxa exploited for ivory in the past. © 2022 IMEKO TC-4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, MetroArchaeo 2022.All rights reserved.