Provenance determination of prehistorical pottery from Oshima Island belonging to Izu islands (Tokyo,Japan) using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

A total of 41 pottery shards originating in the Jomon period (14000–300 BC) and Yayoi period (300 BC–250 AD) were excavated from the Shimotakabora site on Oshima Island of the Izu islands (Tokyo, Japan). X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used to determine the chemical composition (10 major oxides and 12 minor elements) of the potteries to identify the potteries' provenance, that is, local or nonlocal product. The calibration curves were drawn by synthetic standards prepared from a mixture of chemical reagents containing analytes, which presented good accuracy and reproducibility by analysis of the geochemical references. The pottery samples were classified by multivariate statistics such as principal component analysis and cluster analysis based on their chemical composition. Additionally, the X-ray fluorescence results were compared with geochemical data from Oshima Island using scatter diagrams. The pottery provenance was identified by their classification. This provenance estimation indicates that 37 of the 41 potteries were brought to Oshima island from Japan's main island, Honshu, in the prehistoric age.     

A Mössbauer study of an ancient pottery figure (Western-Han dynasty)

The grey pottery figure manufactured in the Western-Han Dynasty (175-118 B.C.) and the clay gathered from the same site of Beidongshan in Xuzhou have been studied by X-ray Diffraction(XRD). X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Mössbauer spectroscopy. They were simultaneously fired under the same conditions in different atmospheres at various temperature up to 1100°C. This study deals with the original firing atmosphere, original firing temperature and its provenance. The information mentioned above can be inferred from the method of the refiring pottery and the firing clay. The results of the original firing temperature deduced from both of them are in goodself agreement. It is found that the values of the Mössbauer parameters for the unrefired pottery figure are approximately the same as those for the clay fired at 950°C for five hours in a reduced atmosphere. The XRF analysis confirmed the locality of this pottery figure.     

Jomon pottery observed from the point of view of fluid mechanics

It is said that the Jomon period began about 12,000 years ago and continued till about 2,500 years ago. The potteries of that age are known as Jomon pottery. Among them, a pottery discovered from the Umataka ruin in Niigata Prefecture in 1931 has an excellent shape. It is said that this pottery was made about 4,500 years ago. Jomon potteries of similar artistic styles have been discovered in various parts in Japan. These potteries have very nice shapes, but the pottery discovered from the Umataka ruin excels other potteries in its excellent proportion. From the shape of lip, it was named “Kaen pottery” meaning “Flame potter”. However, from the patterns of its lip and side wall, it is more appropriate to consider that they are related to water flow. In this report, this hypothesis is made clear by a visualization method using the pollen of cedar and pine trees, and computer simulation.     

Application of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to provenance studies of Algerian archaeological pottery

The North African regions boast a multimillenary tradition of pottery production that represents a decisive progress in all societies. In this paper, we present the analysis of several fragments of pottery dating from the Middle Ages and collected in the archaeological site of Gouraya in Béjaïa (Algeria). Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence measurements were performed to obtain the elemental composition of the clays and to attempt a classification of the samples through multivariate analysis methods, connecting them to the archaeological information about the sites. Hierarchical clusters analysis (HCA) identified two possible different groups, related to different production sites, even if only one source of clay seem to be used, consistently with the geological contest. Based on the results, a tentative provenance interpretation could be proposed on historical bases. We put in place a strategy that made it possible to perform provenance studies respecting sample integrity as we aim to extend our research also to integer and well-preserved object from museum, to create a database for Algerian production of in the Middle Ages.     

上机房营子遗址出土陶器的XRF分析研究

利用X射线荧光对上机房营子遗址出土陶器残片的成分进行分析,用社会科学用统计软件包(SPSS)对实验数据进行多元统计分析.结果表明,不同文化期的样品基本自成一类.本文还将上机房营子遗址与三座店遗址的出土陶片进行比较分析,发现夏家店下层文化晚期两地可能存在着文化交流.     

Application of multivariate statistical methods to classify archaeological pottery from Tel‐Alramad site,Syria, based on x‐ray fluorescence analysis

Radioisotope x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis has been utilized to determine the elemental composition of 55 archaeological pottery samples by the determination of 17 chemical elements. Fifty‐four of them came from the Tel‐Alramad site in Katana town, near Damascus city, Syria, and one sample came from Brazil. The XRF results have been processed using two multivariate statistical methods, cluster and factor analysis, in order to determine similarities and correlation between the selected samples based on their elemental composition. The methodology successfully separates the samples where four distinct chemical groups were identified. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

庙底沟遗址出土仰韶文化彩陶的科学研究

彩陶文化作为新石器时期的重大发明,改变了远古先民的审美方式,而著名的仰韶文化以其彩陶的优美造型、绚丽色彩和丰富的纹饰揭示了原始的艺术特征,承载了史前时期重要的社会文化信息。而利用现代光谱分析技术准确、无损和微损的特点,可以为文物保护的研究提供更科学的技术支撑。研究应用相位辅助光学三维扫描、多光谱成像、X射线荧光、激光拉曼光谱分析技术,对河南省陕县庙底沟遗址出土的新石器时代晚期仰韶文化彩陶碗进行面、点相结合的综合分析,获得了较为完整的文物物理和化学信息。利用三维扫描技术所构建的彩陶碗数字化模型对样品进行了几何尺寸的非接触测量和虚拟修复,利用多光谱成像技术所获得的灰度图像对样品表面化学特征相似区域进行了区分,结合X射线荧光和激光拉曼光谱分析技术对彩陶残片的分析结果,确定了所分析彩陶样品的主要化学成分特征和颜料物相组成。综合研究结果,提出了建立彩陶文物多源信息数字化模型的构想,为这类文物的数字化保护和展示提供了基础科学信息。     

XRF applications in archaeometry: analysis of Marajoara pubic covers and pigments from the sarcophagus cartonage of an Egyptian mummy

This work presents two applications of XRF in archaeometry. The first case involved a female mummy from the Roman period, which is considered one of the most important pieces of the National Museum (Rio de Janeiro), because of its unconventional embalming with legs and arms swathed separately. The objective was to characterize the elemental composition of the pigments found in the sarcophagus cartonage and to verify whether they were in accordance with those used by Egyptian craftsmen in the cited period. The elements identified were Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Hg, and Pb. In the second case, the composition of decorated pottery pubic covers (tangas) from the Marajoara culture was evaluated using EDXRF. Ceramics from the Marajó Island (at the mouth of Amazon River, Brazil) represent one of the most beautiful and sophisticated styles of the pre‐Columbian art. Decorated tangas were used by Marajoara girls probably as part of puberty rites. The analyzed samples were two tangas and four fragments from the National Museum's collection. One fragment (sample 22245) presented a different design pattern that seemed to indicate a different provenance. The elements identified were K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, and Pb. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to the results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multi‐technique study of archaeological cord‐marked wares decorated with red coatings from Taiwan

Archaeological finds of Neolithic to Iron Age pottery show clay potsherds characterized by red cord‐markings. The items date back from 5500 to 1500 B.P. To better understand temporal changes in the provenance of raw‐material sources, and the nature of materials used in the red colorant and ceramic bodies, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and micro X‐ray florescence spectroscopy (μXRF) were applied to 29 red‐coated potsherd samples found at twelve archaeological sites across Taiwan. The techniques identified the chemical and mineralogical composition of the red coatings and ceramic bodies as well as the production methods of ancient potters. Eighteen mineral phases were identified from the Raman spectra, including hematite, α‐quartz, and anatase. Feldspar, rutile, pyroxenes, calcite, gypsum, amorphous carbon, and graphite were also detected. XRD measurements, and μXRF analyses were used as complementary techniques to obtain mineral and chemical compositions. Hematite, anatase, calcite, plagioclase feldspar, and illite were present in potsherds, suggesting pottery produced from illitic clays fired at less than 850 °C under oxidizing conditions. Results further suggest that raw materials were sourced from or near local volcanic rock areas, and more broadly from metamorphic or sedimentary rocks and clays. Chemically, raw materials used for red coatings are different to those of the ceramic bodies. Objects from most sites used the same raw material sources; however, some sites contain objects made from changing sources over time. Pot coatings exhibit polygonal cracks, and loosened cementation strongly suggesting that finely processed moist clays were fired to a biscuit form with no second stage firing process. The non‐destructive Raman experiments identified and characterized mineral phases, which helped understand manufacturing techniques. Overall the multi‐technique approach gave extensive information on the finds, helping to differentiate raw material sources and production technologies. This approach is an important and effective method for investigating archaeological finds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Technological features of ‘gnathia’ pottery

‘Gnathia’ pottery samples, dating back to the mid‐fourth and third century BC, from the archaeological site of Egnazia (Fasano, Brindisi, Italy) have been characterised from the physical‐chemical, mineralogical and morphological points of view. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses have been carried out on the ceramic body, black gloss, white, yellow and red over‐paintings of fragments, with the aim of outlining technological features and defining the nature of coatings and decorations. Analytical results confirm from both a technological and morphological/decorative point of view the close relationship between ‘Gnathia’ pottery and red figured pottery, particularly with the Apulian red figured from which it takes its inspiration. At the same time the experimental results highlight shared characteristics and differences with both Attic and Apulian red figured productions. The biggest difference is in the utilisation of the ‘ingobbio rosso’ layer that covers the ceramic body. This does not seem to be based on aesthetic grounds, as in the case of Apulian red figured pottery, but on application of acquired production processes, since ‘Gnathia’ pottery was made in the same workshops as red figured pottery. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface analysis in archaeology using the miniaturized Mössbauer spectrometer MIMOS II

We report on an interdisciplinary study of ceramic material excavated in 1999 and 2001 at a 1000-year old ceramic and metal production site, located at Huaca Sialupe in the La Leche valley on the north coast of Peru and dating to the Middle Sicán period (AD 900–1100). Sherds of Sicán red- and blackware, numerous moulds, several kilns and other evidence of pottery making were found. The pottery, in particular, is famous for its fine texture and perfect black surface finish. In addition, some clay lumps and sherds of unfired Sicán pottery were excavated. Within the same workshop several large inverted ceramic urns used as furnaces were found together with Middle Sicán metal working tools and debris. Various physical methods were applied to investigate this material. The ancient firing procedures could be elucidated by comparing the spectra observed for the ancient sherds with model spectra of laboratory and field fired clay samples. This shows that the fine ware made at Huaca Sialupe was intentionally fired under strongly reducing conditions at temperatures up to 900°C. Reoxidation at the end of the reducing firing took place only occasionally. Less care was taken in firing moulds used for pottery making.     

Quantitative non‐destructive determination of trace elements in archaeological pottery using a portable beam stability‐controlled XRF spectrometer

A portable beam stability‐controlled XRF spectrometer developed at the LNS/INFN laboratories at Catania (Italy) was used for the non‐destructive determination of some trace elements (Rb, Sr, Y, Zr and Nb) in fine pottery artefacts. The XRF system and the method developed to control the energy and intensity stability of the excitation beam are briefly discussed. Concentrations of Rb, Sr, Y, Zr and Nb were determined in 50 fine potsherds from the votive deposit of San Francesco in Catania by using a multi‐linear regression method. Additionally, in order to test the homogeneity of the material composing the fine pottery samples, a small portion of a few potsherds was powdered and analysed using the XRF system and the multilinear regression method. A comparison between non‐destructive and destructive approaches is presented and discussed. Finally, quantitative XRF data were compared with those obtained by chemical analysis of the powdered samples. The results allowed the testing of a non‐destructive methodology to be used for the identification and grouping of the different typological classes of fine pottery mainly represented in the San Francesco sanctuary. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies of archaeological problems by Mössbauer spectroscopy

The recent developments and achievements of the application of Mössbauer spectroscopy to archaeological problems are reviewed. The relevances of Mössbauer spectroscopy in studies of provenance, manufacturing technology and age dating of ancient pottery, as well as the ancient bronzes are discussed.     

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and petrographic analysis for dating Mesolithic and Neolithic pottery from Al Khiday (Sudan)

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) dating, like luminescence techniques, is based on the time-dependent accumulation of trapped charges at mineral defect centres. However, Fe(III) ions prevent the common Continuous Wave (CW-EPR) approach for dating pottery, which always contains iron. The Pulsed method (ED-EPR) allowed this limitation to be overcome, with recording of radiation-induced defect signals, as shown by increased signal intensity after artificial irradiation of samples. The method was applied to studying Mesolithic and Neolithic pottery from Al Khiday (Central Sudan), characterized by quartz-rich tempers and coming from dated contexts. As the occurrence of a natural ED-EPR signal was found to be related to the quartz grain size of the temper, a petrographic study was carried out. This first attempt at age determination of pottery by ED-EPR meant that experimental conditions and important parameters could be taken into account in developing a new dating procedure.     

Micro‐Raman and infrared analysis of medieval pottery findings from Braničevo,Serbia

A selection of Byzantine table pottery (17 samples) dating from the period between the beginning of the 12th century and the first half of the 13th century, discovered at Braničevo in Serbia, were analysed by Fourier transform infrared, micro‐Raman and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and petrography analysis. The aim of the investigation was to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of the body and of the glaze and thus to determine the production technology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided data for estimating the firing temperature and the basic mineralogical composition, and micro‐Raman spectroscopy was applied to study and characterise both the glaze and the body of the analysed sherds. It was found that noncalcareous clays, characterised by a rich mineral assemblage, were fired at temperatures between 700 and 900 °C. Oxidizing atmosphere was applied in the production of the red colour pottery. The dark and grey coloured paste of one group of sherds was produced by firing organic matter‐rich clays in a reducing environment. The main type of transparent glaze was identified as lead‐rich, and two samples were alkali–lime glazed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Applications of a synergic analytical strategy to figure out technologies in medieval glazed pottery with “negative decoration” from Italy

Glazed pottery with “negative decoration” samples, dating back to the twelfth to thirteenth century ad and coming from three sites along the Adriatic coast, Siponto, Egnatia and Trani (Southern Italy) were characterized from physical–chemical, mineralogical and morphological points of view. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy investigations were carried out on ceramic bodies, pigments and glazes of the fragments. We aimed to outline the technological features, define the nature of decorations and coatings—glazes and engobes—and look for clues to hypothesize provenance. Results obtained show clear differences in raw materials and production technology between the impressed ceramic of Islamic tradition and the incised one of Byzantine tradition. Regarding the latter, evidences of a non-local origin can be found in the compositional diversity of raw materials used for the ceramic bodies of fragments decorated with spiral and pseudo-kufic motifs, which stressed the use of clays so far not recorded in Apulia. At the same time, at least in the case of Siponto, the compositional similarity of both ceramic bodies and materials used under the glaze for impressed ceramic and painted polychrome ceramics (RMR and protomaiolica), more likely local production, could suggest that both were produced in the same workshops.     

Application of various spectroscopic techniques to characterize the archaeological pottery excavated from Manaveli,Puducherry, India

This paper is focused on a spectroscopic study of some ancient pottery shreds from an archaeological site Manaveli village, Puducherry, India. Analytical characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning colorimetric coupled with thermo gravimetric analysis were carried out on red and black ware and red ware recently excavated from the above site. The experimental results of FT-IR and XRD are similar and allowed us to identify the mineralogical composition of pottery samples. In addition, TGA was applied in order to study the dehydration of hydroscopic water and decomposition of carboxyl group in the powdered pottery samples during heating. Moreover, this paper proves that all the above spectroscopic techniques are very useful analytical tool for the examination of ancient pottery, which is also suitable for the identification of its firing temperature and firing atmosphere.     

用指纹元素散布分析研究古耀州瓷胎的起源

选取耀州窑瓷胎样品25个，唐三彩的胎3个，作坊匣钵料样品1个，耀州博物馆附近粘土矿样品4个．用中子活化分析测量样品中29种元素的含量，从这29种元素中挑选出8种指纹元素，将指纹元素的含量进行散布分析．结果表明，出自不同窑口的古耀州瓷的胎，有着长期稳定的、集中的原料产地．耀州窑唐三彩的胎料产地和耀州瓷胎的原料产地相同．25 samples of Yaozhou porcelain bodies, 3 samples of the tri-color pottery bodies during the Tang Dynasty, 1 samples of Saggar material during Song Dynasty and 4 samples of clay mineral taken from the place near Yaozhou Kiln Museum was selected . The technique of neutron activation analysis (NAA) has been employed to measure the content of 29 kinds of elements in the samples. 8 elements of them were selected as fingerprint elements to make scatter analysis.The conclusion is that the ancient Yaozhou por...     

Raman Microspectroscopic study of Iberian pottery from the La Vispesa archaeological site,Spain

Raman microspectroscopy has been employed for the characterization of 16 samples of ancient Iberian pottery. These sherds of vessels were found in the archaeological site of La Vispesa in Tamarite de Litera (Huesca, Spain) and correspond to the Iberian time. The composition of certain mineral phases such as non‐plastic inclusions has been particularly considered with a view to obtaining information on the source materials and their provenance, as well as the technological conditions of ceramic production. Typical minerals such as calcite and quartz were found in most of the samples. The presence of anatase in a group of the samples suggested the use of different clays in the production of the vessels. Furthermore, the absence of rutile in these samples, together with the identification of calcite, is indicative of a mild firing temperature. Hematite was identified in all samples, both in the ceramic body and in the decoration. Differences in the position of the bands and relative intensities characterized hematite in terms of crystallinity and origin. An attempt to assign the samples to different production centers was made according to their chemical composition and morphology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical cleaning of encrustations on archaeological ceramic artefacts found in different Italian sites

With the aim of contributing to the knowledge of north-Mesopotamian Bronze Age pottery production (3rd millennium BC, early Dynastic and early Akkadian period), the mineralogy of pottery excavated from the site of Tell Beydar (Syria) has been studied in order to make inferences concerning the clay preparation and firing techniques of that period. The fired pottery finds have been classified by archaeologists into three distinct groups on the basis of their aesthetic and visual appearance and their mechanical strength: standard, cooking and “metallic” ware. SR X-ray powder diffraction data have been collected from 100 individual shards as well as from local clays and one unbaked object, an inscribed tablet. The XRD data is supplemented by SEM-EDS, XRF and polarising microscopy studies of 200 polished thin sections. The synthesis of the results from this extensive study quantifies the basic physical characteristics of the ensemble: the standard ware required no specific clay preparation and firing procedures. The body of the cooking ware contains large inclusions which result in a body texture intended to make them resistant to repeated thermal cycles. Both standard and cooking ware are made of a calcareous clay, typical of pottery from the Middle East. The metallic ware, however, are of a much finer quality with a distinctly different mineralogy than the other two groups. PACS 81; 81.05.Je; 81.05.Mh; 82.80.Ej