Neutron activation data for the analysis of archaeological and geological hematite in Missouri and Illinois, U.S.A.

Abstract

Hematite, and more broadly ochre, have long been used by humans throughout history for a variety of applications. In prehistoric North America the use of hematite is as old as its first migrants. This data article includes data related to the analysis of archaeological hematite in the American Bottom region in Missouri and Illinois, U.S.A. The data include archaeological samples dating from the Late Archaic Period (3000 – 1000 BCE) to the Middle Woodland Period (150 BCE – 400 CE) from nine sites within the general St. Louis area (n = 69), as well as 29 samples from Verkamp Rockshelter in the iron-rich region of the Meramec River Valley. The data is supplemented with geological samples collected from five raw deposits in southeastern Missouri (n = 70). Data was acquired through Neutron Activation Analysis to assess provenance of all archaeological samples. Following the irradiation of samples, data was normalized for iron content before statistical analysis. A variety of multivariate statistical routines, including principal component and cluster analyses were then employed to assess possible origin locales for all archaeological samples. This data article also includes maps, tables, and figures to assist in understanding the analysis conducted.

Keywords

• Ochre
• Geochemistry
• Provenance
• Prehistory
• North America