CCI Newsletter, No. 21, March 1998

SLOWPOKE-Toronto: Analysis for Archaeology

Dr. R.G.V. (Ron) Hancock, Director of SLOWPOKE-Toronto, presented a lecture on "The Role of SLOWPOKE-Toronto in Canadian Archaeological Studies" at CCI on December 3, 1997. SLOWPOKE-Toronto is a chemical analysis centre at the University of Toronto based on the Canadian-invented SLOWPOKE nuclear reactor, which is cost-effective, safe to operate, and produces a stable neutron flux over a long term that makes it an excellent analytical tool. Bulk elemental analysis for major and trace elements — using an analytical technique called neutron activation analysis — can be undertaken at SLOWPOKE, and if one makes use of only short-lived radioisotopes, the chemical analysis is often non-destructive and samples can be returned to their owner. Applications of SLOWPOKE to archaeological materials can potentially cover the range of inorganic remains, including bone and shell, ceramics, glass (trade beads), lithics, and various metal alloys (copper, brass, iron, — even lead).

Examples of successes (and failures) resulting from chemical analyses of such materials were presented. In some cases, only simple questions such as "what is it made from?" can be answered, but in others quite interesting leaps of interpretation can be achieved. In the past, CCI has turned to Dr. Hancock and the SLOWPOKE facility for assistance with projects requiring the sensitivity of neutron activation analysis and specialized expertise in interpreting these data. For example, CCI collaborated with SLOWPOKE in the analysis of the famous argillite that has been mined at the Slatechuck Creek quarry in the Queen Charlotte Islands and used by Haida carvers since the 1800s. Chlorine in corroded iron from marine archaeological sites, and native copper artifacts have also been analysed for CCI at SLOWPOKE. A collaborative research project into native copper artifacts from the Canadian Arctic is currently underway and involves CCI, SLOWPOKE, McGill University, the Archaeological Survey of Canada (Canadian Museum of Civilization), the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, and the University of Alberta.

A visit to Ron Hancock's Web site (http://www.chemeng.utoronto.ca/~hancock) will provide further information.