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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 264 — Authentication of Ancient Artifacts: Thermoluminescence & Provenance Gaps
Authenticating ancient artifacts—terracotta figures, ceramics, clay tablets, oil lamps, sculpture fragments, and archaeological materials—requires a scientific, evidence-based workflow. Thermoluminescence (TL) testing is one of the most powerful methods for determining when an object was last fired, but TL cannot detect repairs, added components, artificial patina, cultural inaccuracies, or modern composites. At the same time, provenance gaps are common due to pre-regulation collecting, undocumented excavation, estate transfers, and lost paperwork. Proper authentication requires integrating TL science with stylistic, material, surface, and provenance evaluation.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 264 — Authentication of Ancient Artifacts: Thermoluminescence & Provenance Gaps provides collectors with a full professional framework for evaluating TL results, identifying fake patina, detecting artificial aging, analyzing tool marks, interpreting soil accretions, and determining whether provenance gaps are explainable or suspicious. This guide explains the limits of TL, how to interpret lab reports, and when multidisciplinary review is required.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Understand what TL testing can and cannot determine
Interpret lab date ranges, margins of error & cultural alignment
Avoid misinterpretation caused by wrong sampling location or restored areas
Distinguish authentic patina, burial accretions & mineralization from artificial aging
Evaluate tool marks, construction methods & period-correct manufacturing traits
Identify rotary-tool marks, cultural inconsistencies & modern iconography
Recognize gaps in provenance and determine when they are normal or problematic
Detect forged documents, fabricated ownership histories & inconsistent narratives
Match TL date results with claimed cultural and regional production timelines
Evaluate soil deposits, burial crusts, mineral variation & surface integrity
Detect composites, added limbs, rebuilt surfaces, resin repairs & painted-over cracks
Understand legal frameworks: UNESCO 1970, export laws & repatriation protocols
Determine when lab testing, specialist review or full authentication is required
Volume 264 provides a complete, museum-level authentication system—combining TL science with forensic surface analysis and provenance evaluation to ensure accuracy, legitimacy, and confidence in the identification of ancient artifacts.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access
Authenticating ancient artifacts—terracotta figures, ceramics, clay tablets, oil lamps, sculpture fragments, and archaeological materials—requires a scientific, evidence-based workflow. Thermoluminescence (TL) testing is one of the most powerful methods for determining when an object was last fired, but TL cannot detect repairs, added components, artificial patina, cultural inaccuracies, or modern composites. At the same time, provenance gaps are common due to pre-regulation collecting, undocumented excavation, estate transfers, and lost paperwork. Proper authentication requires integrating TL science with stylistic, material, surface, and provenance evaluation.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 264 — Authentication of Ancient Artifacts: Thermoluminescence & Provenance Gaps provides collectors with a full professional framework for evaluating TL results, identifying fake patina, detecting artificial aging, analyzing tool marks, interpreting soil accretions, and determining whether provenance gaps are explainable or suspicious. This guide explains the limits of TL, how to interpret lab reports, and when multidisciplinary review is required.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Understand what TL testing can and cannot determine
Interpret lab date ranges, margins of error & cultural alignment
Avoid misinterpretation caused by wrong sampling location or restored areas
Distinguish authentic patina, burial accretions & mineralization from artificial aging
Evaluate tool marks, construction methods & period-correct manufacturing traits
Identify rotary-tool marks, cultural inconsistencies & modern iconography
Recognize gaps in provenance and determine when they are normal or problematic
Detect forged documents, fabricated ownership histories & inconsistent narratives
Match TL date results with claimed cultural and regional production timelines
Evaluate soil deposits, burial crusts, mineral variation & surface integrity
Detect composites, added limbs, rebuilt surfaces, resin repairs & painted-over cracks
Understand legal frameworks: UNESCO 1970, export laws & repatriation protocols
Determine when lab testing, specialist review or full authentication is required
Volume 264 provides a complete, museum-level authentication system—combining TL science with forensic surface analysis and provenance evaluation to ensure accuracy, legitimacy, and confidence in the identification of ancient artifacts.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access