Archaeometric study of Etruscan-Padan type pottery from the Veneto region: petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical-physical characterisation

Abstract

This multi-analytical study of Etruscan-Padan type pottery from selected localities in the Veneto region (Adria, Este, Padova and Altino, north-eastern Italy) is focused on the definition of the production areas and technological features of examined objects belonging to this ceramic class. Samples were analysed by optical and electron microscopy to study their mineralogical and structural features, with the aim of defining the nature of the paste and recognising inclusion types, and also by powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence to determine production technology and possible provenance. Analytical data were statistically processed using traditional and non-conventional methods (non-parametric combination NPC test). To obtain further information about possible source areas of raw materials used in ceramic production, clays were also sampled in areas surrounding the archaeological sites. Some firing experiments were carried out on clays with compositions comparable with those of ceramic sherds, to define better the pyrotechnological features of the firing process used to produce the pottery.