Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is an analytical technique used to measure the concentration of chemical elements by analyzing how free atoms absorb light at specific wavelengths. In anthropology and archaeology, it is often applied to study trace elements in artifacts, bones, and soils, helping reconstruct diet, trade, and environmental conditions.

🌍 Definition

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS): A method that quantifies elements by measuring the absorption of light by free atoms in the gaseous state.
• Principle: Each element absorbs light at a characteristic wavelength. The amount of absorption is proportional to the concentration of that element in the sample.
• Scope: Can detect over 70 elements, including metals like iron, copper, zinc, and lead.

🔑 Anthropological Contexts

• Archaeology:
  • Used to analyze pigments, ceramics, and metallurgical artifacts.
  • Helps identify sources of raw materials (e.g., copper ores in Bronze Age tools).
• Bioarchaeology:
  • Applied to human and animal bones to measure trace elements (like strontium, zinc, or lead).
  • Provides dietary reconstructions and evidence of exposure to toxins.
• Environmental Archaeology:
  • Soil and sediment analysis reveals ancient pollution, agriculture, or resource use.
• Cultural Insights:
  • Trace element analysis can show trade networks (e.g., obsidian sourcing) or social status differences in diet.

📚 Importance in Anthropology

• Dietary Reconstruction: Identifies nutritional patterns and deficiencies in past populations.
• Trade & Exchange: Links artifacts to geological sources, mapping prehistoric trade routes.
• Health & Environment: Detects exposure to heavy metals or pollutants in ancient communities.
• Chronological Support: Complements other dating and analytical methods by providing chemical signatures.

In short: Atomic absorption spectrometry is a precise technique for measuring elemental concentrations, widely used in anthropology to study diet, trade, and environmental conditions through artifacts, bones, and soils.

Sources: Wikipedia – Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; Chemistry LibreTexts – Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; Springer – Comprehensive Insights into AAS.