Radiocarbon-based investigations into the authenticity of Mesoamerican artefacts in museum contexts

In this article, radiocarbon dating has been used as a tool for investigating the authenticity of two Mesoamerican artefacts from collection National Museum World Cultures (Museum Volkenkunde), Leiden, Netherlands. The first artefact is ceremonial Aztec, possibly tecpatl, knife, and it presumed to date 1300–1500 CE. second object decorated Mixtec skull, 1400–1520 efficacy was thoroughly tested in study, especially regard tiny quantities that could be sampled skull. However, with newly revamped facility at University Groningen, an opportune moment attempt such research. Ultimately, credible result not obtained on skull; however, knife dated reliably Aztec period. article also discusses broader issue whether results can definitive proof examines risk-reward nature testing.