Source Analysis of Central Plains Tradition Pottery Using Neutron Activation Analysis: Feasibility and First Results

We report the results of a study applying instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA) to pottery from eight sites assigned to the western part of the Central Plains tradition (Upper Republican and Smoky Hill phases) and six components identified as High Plains Upper Republican. Our purpose is to test the feasibility of using NAA to trace interactions among people of the Central Plains tradition and between the Central Plains tradition people and their counterparts on the High Plains. Results of the statistical analysis, which was performed using the chemical data for both newly sampled sites and previously studied sites (as reported by Cobry), suggest that NAA is a usable method for evaluating the movement of pottery for at least parts of the Central Plains tradition. Samples from four sites on Medicine Creek as well as the Albert Bell and LeBeau sites formed a single homogeneous group referred to as the Central Plains Reference Group. Samples from the other sites, however, formed distinct groups for each site and also reflected some interaction with their contemporaries. We discuss the implications of these results, some of the questions that remain, and the need for continued sampling.