Abstract

Considerable progress has been made in Obsidian analysis in Alaska, northwest Canada, and Siberia over the last year. The project is comprised of two major elements: source identification and hydration measurements. Although the former is fundamental to reliable dating and has been the major foeus of our research this last year, significant advances have also been made in consolidating a hydration measurement database. Using instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), X-Ray diffraction (XRF), and microprobe analyses, more than 900 samples of obsidian have been analyzed for their elemental composition. These three methods will be compared and evaluated for their efficiency and reliability in differentiating obsidian. Each has particular strengths and weaknesses. The statistical results of these analyses will be compared and the distinguishing signatures of the obsidian will be identified. The geographic distribution of the distinctive obsidian groups will be presented with particular emphasis on the eastern Beringian region.