A light stable isotope (C, N, H, O) approach to identifying movement of medieval textiles in North West Europe

摘要: This thesis examined how light stable isotopic analysis could be used to examine the provenance of archaeological wool textiles preserved by anoxic waterlogging. Preliminary studies in modern sheep samples showed that their carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), un-exchangeable hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) composition varied systematically with geographical location British Isles Iceland, but were significantly influenced farming practice (fodder provision, fertilizer use). Keratin collagen isotope values within a single shown related. Experimental characterisation effects degradation elemental, amino acid changes experimentally buried minimal compared treated under high-temperature hydrous conditions, which significant hydrolysis, oxidation racemisation. These results interpret data from 101 contexts dated between AD 7001600 excavations at Reykholt, Iceland; York Newcastle, Britain; Hessens, Germany; Birka, Sweden. Local range for each was defined assemblage median ± maximum variation derived flock. Isotopic identifications local/non-local did not always correspond typical/atypical interpretations textile origin based on features construction, fibre type dye use. Thus distinctions made movement (atypical non-local composition), techniques local composition) raw (typical composition). The most limitation technique insufficient difference regions deposition. contribution understanding number specific types, including much-discussed ‘Frisian cloth’.