Center for Materials Research in Archaeology & Ethnology (CMRAE)

Prof. Dorothy Hosler, 8-106, x3-6991 hosler@mit.edu

Study of variety of ancient Mexican technologies: metal production (west Mexico--Jalisco and Michoacan) through laboratory studies (metallographic studies and chemical analyses) of ancient articfacts to identify fabrication methods alloy/property design relationships; through experimental replication of smelting regimes and production techniques especially lost wax casting, and through lead isotope studies of copper ores and copper artifacts to determine where ancient mexican smiths were obtaining raw materials. We are also carrying out studies of pottery and plaster production technology (Aztec) through petrographic thin section analyses of pottery and plaster samples and analyses of clays. Another research area concerns the production, and use of rubber (for rubber balls, sandles religious objects) through experimental replication of possible processing regimes. UROPs sometimes invlove travel to Mexico with Prof. Hosler and colleagues to participate in the collection of primary data.

Prof. Heather Lechtman, 16-401, x3-2172 lechtman@mit.edu

Prehistoric metallurgies of the New World; laboratory studies of metal artifacts from the cultures of North, Central, and South America. (Limited to students with good laboratory preparation.)

Further Information: See "Awards & Funds" for special funding that may pertain to your research. Follow all UROP procedures for pay or credit.

77 Massachusetts Avenue, Bldg. 7-104, Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel: 617-253-7306, Fax: 617-258-8816

Comments & Questions to: urop@mit.edu

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