Jordan University of Science and Technology
Genuine or forged? Assessing the authenticity of a confiscated manuscript using radiocarbon dating and archaeometric techniques
Authors:
Khaled Al-Bashaireh, AbdelRahman
ElSerogy, Emad Hussein & Muhamad
Shakhatreh
Abstract:
The authenticity of a confiscated parchment manuscript
written in medieval Hebrew was examined using radiocarbon
and archaeometric techniques. The owners of the manuscript
claimed that it is old and valuable. Transmitted light
showed folios of uniform thickness and opacity, while examination
under ultraviolet light displayed the absence of conservation
treatments. X-ray fluorescence showed the ink used
was iron gall ink. On these grounds, the manuscript could be
dated to the Middle Ages. However, the precision and homogeneity
of the hand writing, sewing, dimensions, and margins
suggest that it is a much more recent artifact. Post-bomb radiocarbon
dates for the folios and threads clearly demonstrate
the recent vintage of the manuscript. Biological analysis suggests
that the manuscript was buried in a soil intentionally
amended with animal wastes to achieve rapid aging and deterioration
features.