Radiocarbon Dating of Ceramic Materials: Progress and Prospects

Abstract

Although initial studies in the 1960's established the feasibility of applying the radiocarbon technique directly to ceramics, subsequent analyses have revealed this category of materials to be more complex than previously believed. Consideration of the points at which various types of organic carbon are introduced into ceramic materials by natural or human agencies allows more effective screening of potential sherd samples. It also suggest ways to overcome some of the limiting factors involved in dating ceramics.