A Cremated Bone Intercomparison Study

Philip Naysmith; E Marian Scott; Gordon T Cook; Jan Heinemeier; Johannes van der Plicht; Mark van Strydonck; Christopher Bronk Ramsey; Pieter M Grootes; Stewart P H T Freeman

doi:10.1017/S0033822200042338

Abstract

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It is now almost 10 yr since radiocarbon dating of cremated bone was first developed using the small carbonate component contained within the hydroxyapatite-based inorganic fraction. Currently, a significant number of 14C laboratories date cremated bone as part of their routine dating service. As a general investigation of cremated bone dating since this initial development, a small, cremated bone intercomparison study took place in 2005, involving 6 laboratories. Six cremated bone samples (including 2 sets of duplicates), with ages spanning approximately 1500–2800 BP, were sent to the laboratories. The results, which showed relatively good agreement amongst the laboratories and between the duplicate samples, are discussed in detail.

References

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A Cremated Bone Intercomparison Study

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