Project
Development protocols for isotope research on movable heritage
Project VU Amsterdam and various partners
There is a rapidly growing demand in the fields of cultural heritage and archaeology for minimally invasive research methods to study works of art and artefacts. In this context, great strides are being made in the development of isotope research. The geochemical data this generates can help determine the provenance of objects and the raw materials from which they were made. This information can be used to gain insight into socio-economic developments in trade and cultural exchange. Detailed knowledge of the composition of objects and the manufacturing processes used to make them is also essential for developing conservation strategies. The aim of this project is to apply isotope research broadly within various subdisciplines in cultural heritage and archaeology. Until recently, metal took centre stage as a material, but now glass and ceramics are also entering the picture.
The work for the project will be carried out at VU Amsterdam. By collaborating with leading museums and universities, isotope research is set to gain international prominence in the field of cultural heritage. Archaeological and museum organisations in the Netherlands and abroad will provide reference samples needed for the design and validation phase of the study. To explain the method’s (im)possibilities and expand the collaborations, the research team is organising a series of interactive presentations for the professional field. The project results will be made accessible through open access.
The project’s main objectives were achieved in 2023, which saw the publication of an improved method for the analysis of lead isotopes in metals. This method is not only less harmful to the environment, but it also allows smaller samples to be analysed, reducing damage to works of art. The results are more accurate than those achieved using conventional laser ablation methods, and the technique has been optimised for use on glass and ceramics.
Project partners
Museums
Rijkmuseum, RMO Leiden, Allard Pierson, Amsterdam Museum, Dutch Silver Museum, Batavialand, National Maritime Museum, Rotterdam Maritime Museum, Valkhof Museum, Huis van Hilde (archaeological depot of the Province of Noord-Holland)
Universities
Leiden University, University of Groningen, VU Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University
Archaeological organisations
Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA), Utrecht Landscape and Heritage (LEU), Netherlands Portable Antiquities Network (PAN)
Archaeological companies
RAAP, ADC ArcheoProjecten, BAAC BV
PRESENTATION
Geochemical applications, For archaeometry & archeology (PDF)
LINKS
Gareth Davies introduces VU Amsterdam’s Isotope Geochemistry Facility
PUBLICATIONS AS AT 1 JANUARY 2024
Merkel, S.W., D'Imporzano, P., van Zuilen, K., Kershaw, J. & Davies, G.R. (2022). “Non-invasive” portable laser ablation sampling for lead isotope analysis of archaeological silver: a comparison with bulk and in situ laser ablation techniques. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry 37, 148-156. 10.1039/d1ja00342a.
P. D'Imporzano et al. Lead Isotope Analysis of Lead-Tin-Glaze by Portable Laser Ablation applied to 17-18th century Delftware earthenware. Microchemical journal (under submission).