Posted by Wendel Swan on June 23, 1999 at 15:03:29:
In Reply to: Re: Sources of error in Carbon-14 dating? posted by Steve Price on June 23, 1999 at 13:38:55:
Dear Steve,
You posted, in part:
: I still hope that some reader will explain what the sources of error in C-14 dating are, and give their approximate magnitudes.
I am eminently UNQUALIFIED to provide any further explanation. Jurg Rageth is not a scientist either, but he has worked diligently at bringing to our attention the application of C-14 dating techniques to oriental textiles. I know Jurg and many of the people who have associated with him in his symposia.
The earnestness and integrity of these people does not place their findings beyond doubt, but I personally would need substantial evidence to persuade me that pre-1700 Turkmen rugs (and Anatolian kilims) have not been identified.
An important question for me is how the Turkmen rugs were preserved. I alluded to one possible answer in an earlier post on this Salon.
Ned Long and Norm Indictor are familiar with C-14 dating techniques as well as rugs. They may be able to provide the specific information you want.
In the meantime, try the internet (although I suggest avoiding those dealing with creationism and the Shroud of Turin). I found the following site to be of some help, particularly with its chart.
http://c14.sci.waikato.ac.nz/webinfo/corr.html
Regards,
Wendel