This work reports the application of an alternative methodology for the linear attenuation coefficient determination of irregular shape samples, in such a way that it is not necessary to know the sample thickness. Based on this method, indigenous archaeological ceramic fragments from the region of Londrina, north of Parana State in Brazil, were studied. On the other hand, theoretical mass attenuation coefficient values were determined with the XCOM computer code. With the results obtained, it was concluded that the two media method works very well for the linear attenuation coefficient measurement of irregular-shaped ceramic samples, which makes it suitable, especially, for archaeometric studies. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.