Sourcing temper sands in ancient ceramics with U-Pb ages of detrital zircons: a southwest Pacific test case

► U-Pb dating of detrital zircons can be used to source temper sands in potsherds. ► Anomalous Roviana potsherds were crafted on Muwuy Island in the Solomon Sea. ► Lizard Island potsherds were crafted locally on Lizard Island. ► This method is effective in cases where ages of potential temper sources differ.