Although the Cascajal Block (CB), an incised greenstone slab from southeastern Veracruz, Mexico, arguably contains the earliest written text in the New World, debate remains regarding the object's authenticity, dating, and cultural affiliation. To address these issues, this article details recent analyses of the CB via polynomial texture mapping (PTM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PTM revealed new details that have resulted in a new epigraphic drawing of the block's incised text and allowed for improved identification of several constituent signs. Spectrometric analysis confirmed that the chemical composition of the CB matrix is consistent with serpentine and identified a uniform patina on its surface, which provided additional contextual data. SEM micrographs of polymer replica molds taken from the incised text evidence manufacturing traces that correspond to lapidary techniques observed on other Formative-period Olmec objects of secure provenience. Results assist in clarifying the archaeological contexts of the object and confirm that in terms of symbols, material, and manufacture the CB conforms to other Formative-period Olmec objects, supporting the object's authenticity, dating, and cultural affiliation.

中文翻译：

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CASCAJAL 区块的数字成像和考古分析：为已知最早的 OLMEC 文本建立背景和真实性

尽管卡斯卡哈尔块 (CB) 是一块来自墨西哥韦拉克鲁斯东南部的切割绿岩板，可以说包含了新大陆最早的书面文字，但关于该物体的真实性、年代和文化归属的争论仍然存在。为了解决这些问题，本文详细介绍了最近通过多项式纹理映射 (PTM)、X 射线荧光 (XRF) 和扫描电子显微镜 (SEM) 对 CB 的分析。PTM 揭示了新的细节，这些细节导致了该块切割文本的新金石图，并允许改进对几个组成标志的识别。光谱分析证实 CB 基质的化学成分与蛇纹石一致，并在其表面鉴定出均匀的铜绿，这提供了额外的上下文数据。聚合物复制模具的 SEM 显微照片取自切割文本证据制造痕迹，这些痕迹与在其他有安全来源的形成期奥尔梅克物体上观察到的宝石技术相对应。结果有助于阐明该物品的考古背景，并确认在符号、材料和制造方面，CB 符合其他形成时期的奥尔梅克物品，支持该物品的真实性、年代和文化归属。