The use of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in ceramic
research in the American Sothwest has become widespread over the last
ten years. This volume presents case studies of Southwestern ceramic
production and distribution in which INAA is used as the primary
analytical technique. These studies use provenance determination to
explore such issues as exchange, migration, social identity, and
economic organization. Case studies from the Southwestern periphery
provide a comparative perspective from which to view the range of
variation in Southwestern ceramic circulation patterns. Several of the
case studies use mineralogical approaches to supplement chemical
sourcing data. And, a case study using petrographic analyses provides a
counterpoint to the emphasis on chemical approaches (INAA) in this
volume. This volume documents the cumulative contribution of INAA-based
ceramic characterization to knowledge of the prehistory of the
Southwest.