Petrographic and instrumental neutron activation analysis conducted on Micronesian pottery determined which of the following?
A) Pottery found on the atolls was all manufactured on the high island of Yap, confirming an ancient trade network between Yap and outlying atolls.
B) Pottery found on the atolls was all manufactured locally; each atoll had its own source of high quality clay from which ceramic vessels were manufactured.
C) Although the clay used to manufacture most of the pottery came from the high island of Yap, the actual manufacture of pottery took place on the atolls.
D) It was impossible to determine the particular high island that was the source of the clay used to manufacture Micronesian pottery because the islands have such similar geologic histories.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

CPetrographic and instrumental neutron activation analysis can reveal the geological origin of the clay used in pottery, indicating whether pottery was imported or locally made. Choice A is correct because the analysis showed that the pottery found on the atolls was manufactured on the high island of Yap, suggesting an ancient trade network. Choice C is also correct because it specifies that while the clay came from Yap, the pottery was actually made on the atolls, indicating a distribution of raw materials followed by local manufacturing.

Petrographic and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Conducted on Micronesian Pottery