X-ray fluorescence analysis of pottery from Northern Mongolia

Abstract

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used to determine the minor and trace element composition of ceramic wares and clays from the Egiin Gol valley in Northern Mongolia. Principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel density estimates (KDEs) suggest that there are five distinct sources of raw materials used to manufacture the pottery. These sources are verified with linear discriminant analysis (LDA). At this time it is uncertain whether these sources reflect the use of specific clay deposits, a widespread clay stratum, or a production workshop.