The relativity of density

Abstract

Abstract In an attempt to overcome biases resulting from small sample size, we examine the potential of relative density, which Ambrose (n.d.; 1994) and Green (1987) have proposed is a non‐destructive, inexpensive, and easy technique for characterising the chemical composition of obsidian from the different sources in Melanesia. Our results demonstrate considerable overlap in relative density for the chemical subgroups in West New Britain, but also show that reasonable discrimination between obsidian samples from the West New Britain and Lou Island regional groups can be obtained. Weathered surfaces and inclusions are found to have inconsequential effects. It is argued that when used within its limitations, relative density could have an important role in future studies of prehistoric obsidian procurement and exchange.

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