Multi-analytical approach for characterization of archaeological pottery excavated in the Early-Neolithic settlement of Chavdar, Bulgaria

Abstract

This report presents pilot research of archaeological pottery excavated in the Early-Neolithic settlement of Chavdar located in the Pirdop-Zlatitsa field, Bulgaria (first half of VI mill BC). The object of investigation is a red-slipped ceramic fragment decorated on both sides with white paint. A multi-analytical approach including optical microscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was undertaken to obtain comprehensive information contributing to the archaeological interpretation. The observations identified the qualitative chemical composition of the ceramic body and the pigment used for the decoration and gave implications on the temperature and the atmospheric conditions at which the vessel has been fired.