Differentiating Khmer Stoneware Production: An NAA pilot study from Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

Abstract

We report analytical results for stoneware samples from four excavated Angkor‐period kilns in the Greater Angkor area. Previous work has suggested that establishing distinct chemical signatures for kiln complexes in this region is problematic. The current study highlights the effectiveness of neutron activation analysis (NAA) for differentiating the products of Angkorian kiln complexes; it also confirms the viability of a larger‐scale research programme to understand the relationship between Khmer stoneware production and patterns of distribution across the wider Angkorian territory. Evidence of ceramics excavated at kiln sites but produced elsewhere highlights the complexity of consumption patterns during the Angkorian period.

Archaeometrical study of Khmer stoneware from the Angkorian period: Results from the Cerangkor Project

“…They proposed differentiations to separate kiln sites that failed to take into account the categories of stoneware produced, that is unglazed, green‐glazed and brown‐glazed stoneware (Grave et al . ).…”

“…In recent studies, the use of neutron activation analysis (NAA) has been described as the most effective technique to differentiate Angkorian kiln sites (Grave et al . ). Actually, the issue here is not the technique employed, but the research strategy adopted.…”

Consumption and exchange in Early Modern Cambodia: NAA of brown-glaze stoneware from Longvek, 15th–17th centuries

“…Using the NAA relative standardisation method Grave et al [18] differentiated four Angkorian kiln complexes dating between the 9th– 13th centuries. The data of NAA relative standardisation and k 0 methods can be compared using E n scores, however statistical analysis packages do not produce equivalent results [92].…”

“…As noted by Glascock, Neff and Vaughn [89] and Grave et al [18] sample preparation required for NAA of ceramic samples is minimal. The stoneware samples analysed in this study were prepared according to the procedures outlined in previous studies [67, 89].…”

“…When considering Southeast Asian stoneware Grave and Maccheroni’s [31] PIXE-PIGME analysis of samples from Bang Rachan (Maenam Noi) and Sisatchanalai concluded that ceramics were elementally indistinguishable. However, it was unclear if the insignificant geochemical discrimination was a consequence of analytical techniques limitations or the presence of compositionally homogenous sediments [18].…”