Archaeometric Analyses Research Articles

Playing with fire: Exploring ceramic pyrotechnology in the Late Neolithic Balkans through an archaeometric and experimental approach

Addressing ceramic pyrotechnology plays a key role in understanding a wide range of cultural and social behaviours associated to pottery production. Firing is the process which transforms clay into ceramic, which is one of the most frequently preserved materials in the majority of Neolithic and later archaeological sites.Though firing temperatures and the functions of various pyrotechnological installations have been extensively investigated in archaeology, both have often been addressed separately. Most of our knowledge on firing structures and procedures in the Neolithic are still largely based on ethnoarchaeological evidence. To move forward, we need to consider all aspects involved in ancient pyrotechnology, together with use of additional investigative tools. This study aims to address Neolithic pottery firing from a diverse perspective that merges archaeometric analyses and experimental archaeology. To demonstrate the potential of this approach, we combined an archaeometric case study of pottery from the late Neolithic (5200–4800 BCE) from the site of Gradište-Iđjoš (Serbia) with experimental pit firings, likely one of the mostly frequently employed firing techniques used in prehistoric periods.Scientific analyses include X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ceramic petrography. These methods were run on both archaeological materials and experimental reproductions. Additionally, a detailed program of firing temperature monitoring, integrated observations on atmospheric conditions, soaking time, and duration were recorded to contribute to the study. The experiments enabled us to collect results useful for our understanding of the pyrotechnological knowledge of Neolithic potters from a technological and social point of view. In addition, they demonstrated the potential of a dedicated methodological framework for studying pottery firing that can be applied to other chronological and cultural contexts.

ARCHAEOMETRIC ANALYSES ON PRECUCUTENI-TYPE POTTERY FROM TRANSYLVANIA (ROMANIA). CASE STUDY: ALBA IULIA-LUMEA NOUĂ

The aim of this paper is to find out - for the first time - through archaeometric analysis the provenance of the Precucuteni-type pottery from Alba Iulia-Lumea Nouă settlement and whether it has a local origin or is an imported ceramic. The presence of so-called Precucuteni-type pottery in Transylvanian sites, decorated by motifs using excision techniques, represents one of the most challenging debates related to the understanding of the material culture that belongs to Early Eneolithic human communities in the Intra-Carpathian area. A combination of non-invasive / micro-destructive analytical techniques and statistical methods were applied to provide comprehensive information about the studied fragments. In this respect, ten pottery samples were investigated to establish the elemental and molecular composition, as well as its origin. Overall, the analytical and statistical analyses show us that the local production of pottery is predominant, with a limited presence of imports. In summary, nine ceramic fragments out of all analyzed samples belong to the same group, with a strong correlation between them, confirming that they are locally made, while one sample can be considered as imported from elsewhere or obtained through mixing clay with some existing soils in the area during the pottery production stage.

First insights into the archaeometric analysis of the Los Amores Mosaic in C\xe1stulo (Linares, Spain): the Judgement of Paris

This paper discusses results obtained from in situ analysis of the tesserae of the Roman mosaic of Los Amores (Cástulo site, Linares, Spain) dating back to the turn of the 1st to the 2nd century AD. Specifically, it focuses on the scene The Judgment of Paris. In view of the exceptional state of preservation of the mosaic, from which very few tesserae had fallen off, non-invasive methods with portable Micro Raman Spectroscopy (MRS) and hand-held X-ray fluorescence (hXRF) and data assessment by use of principal component analysis and binary representations were selected. The results obtained allow to evaluate both the analytical method and the portable equipment used, as well as to classify the raw materials, the colouring agents and the opacifiers used. MRS analysis proved crucial for the identification of stone tesserae (ironstones, carbonate and siliciclastic rocks) and for the identification of the type of glasses used (soda-lime-silicate and lead type glasses) based on the analysis of two detached tesserae. hXRF analysis of the glass tesserae identified both colouring agents (Co, Cu, Pb, Zn) and opacifiers (calcium antimonate). The data obtained lend themselves to an assessment of the degradation process that threaten the integrity of the mosaic. The identification of tessera made of specific stone materials (especially ironstone) and of lead glass tesserae suggest the existence of a mosaic workshop in the Upper Guadalquivir (Eastern Andalusia, Spain).

Archaeometric analysis of building mortars used in the historic centre of Siena (Italy) between the 13th and 16th centuries

This work is part of a broader research concerning the ancient mortars used to build the historic centre of Siena (Italy). It is focused on the archaeometric analysis of twenty-three mortars samples selected from well-dated 13th–16th centuries masonries belonging to five monumental buildings (Cathedral, City Hall, city walls, Medicean Fortress, and Santa Maria della Scala hospital).The main compositional and technological features of the mortars were determined by means of thin section analysis with polarized light microscopy and chemical analyses of lumps with ICP-OES and ICP-MS.After a thorough documentary research, reference samples of selected rocks (Cavernous Limestone, Montagnola Senese Marbles, Alberese Limestone) were gathered from the Montagnola Senese area and from the southern sector of Chianti hills (west and north east of Siena, respectively) and analysed with the same chemical techniques, targeting the identification of possible types of raw materials used for the production of the lime binders.The study led to a first compositional and technological database of the ancient Sienese mortars and allowed verifying the change over time of the supply of raw materials for binder production. Mortars dating back before the middle of the 15th century were obtained with aerial lime binders, whereas in later years natural hydraulic lime binders prepared from impure limestones were preferentially used. As regards the provenance of stones for lime, the obtained data suggest a transition over time from the exploitation of rocks from Montagnola Senese (preferred during the Middle Ages for lime production) to a prevalent use of Alberese Limestone from southern Chianti hills after the middle of the 15th century. Throughout the entire period under examination, sandy aggregates were obtained from Pliocene sea deposits cropping out around the city.

Archaeometric analysis of Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age pottery from Setefilla (SW Spain)

Archaeometric analysis of Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age pottery from Setefilla (SW Spain)

Square-Shaped Belt Fittings from the 10th Century in the Carpathian Basin : Archaeological and Archaeometric Analysis

When analysing archaeological finds, some questions cannot be answered using traditional archaeological methods, therefore the involvement of the natural sciences is extremely important when examining certain types of objects. Thanks to modern technologies, the relationship between workshops and objects in different remote areas can also be explored. Decorated and undecorated square-shaped belt fittings, which are rare amongst the 10th-century relics of the Carpathian Basin, can be traced back to the Altai region. The castings that can be connected to the first generation of conquering Hungarians are very diverse. Every single one of them is unique in terms of size, materials, and ornamentation. The study below reports the new material analyses of the square fittings of Tiszaeszlár–Bashalom, Budaörs–Tűzkőhegy, and Hajdúböszörmény–Erdős tanya, comparing them to the metal composition of foreign analogies.

Judging a book by its cover: a new project analysing leatherwork from Sur Island, Sudan

A new project at the Institute of Archaeology will build on the work of the Humboldt University Nubian Expedition by bringing together multi-disciplinary approaches in the analysis and cataloguing of leatherwork recovered from a medieval church on Sur Island, Sudan. A particular focus of the Sur Island Leatherwork Project will be the rich corpus of Late Coptic bookbindings. They include fragments of unparalleled variety, ranging from examples of Coptic codices known from Egyptian contexts to more unusual structural components which may reflect Nubian leatherwork traditions. By combining archaeometric analyses with socio-historical research on the assemblage, we hope to shed light on the nuances in the use and cultural value of leather in Makuritan Nubia and Late Coptic bookbinding more broadly. The material reflects a diverse range of influences and will add to the growing body of knowledge about the Fourth Cataract region in Sudan.

Southern Jê engravings at Morro do Avencal: Preliminary archaeometrical analysis and interpretation of a rock shelter in Southern Brazil

This paper presents an archaeometric analysis of pigment samples collected into petroglyphs from Morro do Avencal, a rock shelter located in the highlands of southern Brazilian plateau. Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electronic Microscope associated with elemental analysis by Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS) identified the use of charcoal and beeswax as pigments (painting) in the petroglyphs. Traces of chalk were also identified, relating to photographic enhancing used to highlight discrete engravings in former studies. Control samples have been used to distinguish the mineralogical composition of the rock support, rich in Barium and Titanium oxides, from the organic pigments on the art-making locales on the wall. This exploratory study is backed up by isotopic analysis of δ13C on radiocarbon-dated samples, reinforcing the continuous and enduring presence of Jê speaking peoples until very recent times in southern Brazilian plateau, as well as their cultural belonging as regards this peculiar rock art style.

A ambos lados del cero. Arqueología de la arquitectura en Colombia

El presente artículo brinda un panorama de lo que ha sido la arqueología de la arquitectura en Colombia. A través de varios casos de estudio expone algunas ideas y reflexiones de orden metodológico con relación al carácter diverso e interdisciplinario necesario para el estudio de los edificios como contextos arqueológicos complejos. Así mismo aborda cuestiones en torno al análisis configuracional de las edificaciones y algunas de las posibilidades que ofrece para el estudio estratigráfico. Se plantean ejemplos de datación a partir de análisis arqueométricos y finalmente se presentan algunas consideraciones en torno a los desafíos futuros de este campo de conocimiento.

Phoenician lime for Phoenician wine: Iron Age plaster from a wine press at Tell el-Burak, Lebanon

Despite the importance of wine in the Iron Age Mediterranean, known structures associated with its production are rare. Recent excavations at Phoenician Tell el-Burak have now revealed the first Iron Age wine press in Lebanon. Its remarkable state of preservation enables a systematic study of its plaster to be made as well as a comparison with two other plastered installations at the site. Archaeometric analyses offer new data concerning the composition and technology of Iron Age lime-plaster production, confirming the existence of a local and innovative tradition of plaster production in southern Phoenicia. These results contribute to the wider discussion of Phoenician technology in the broader Iron Age Mediterranean.

Cyprus and Sardinia in the Late Bronze Age: Nuragic table ware at Hala Sultan Tekke

In the course of the Swedish excavations at Hala Sultan Tekke, Cyprus, table ware and domestic pottery of unknown provenance were discovered in offering pits dating to the 13th century BCE. These vessels comprise six hand-made and black burnished vessels, all of which have close typological parallels in the Nuragic culture of Sardinia. Comparative petrographic investigation confirmed their Sardinian provenance. Other archaeometric analyses include FTIR on the Cypriot and Sardinian material, and NAA on the Sardinian vessels from Hala Sultan Tekke. These vessels further extend the nature of intercultural relations of the site, which comprise a vast area including the Aegean, Anatolia, the Levant and Egypt. The paper presents the archaeometric results and briefly discusses their implication for Cypro-Sardinian connections in the Late Bronze Age.

Modern Era pottery from the archaeological site at the Ethnographic Museum of Zamora (north-western Spain): An archaeometric analysis

Zamora, located in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula, is a city of long-lasting pottery tradition. Besides, its local post-medieval pottery keeps a strong tie with late medieval Castilian ceramic tradition. In recent archaeological interventions, a large quantity of ceramics was unearthed in different archaeological sites of the city. Among them, the archaeological excavations performed below the current Ethnographic Museum of Castilla y León were of special relevance to shed more light on the Zamoran local productions. In this work, an archaeometric characterization has been carried out in 11 tin–lead glazed ceramics (decorated in green, black and blue) dated back to the 16th–18th centuries by means of a multi-analytical approach. Thus, chemical and mineralogical analyses by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analytical techniques have been applied. In addition, the microstructure, glaze and pigment characterization of the glaze coatings have also been studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and Raman microscopy. Additionally, 59 samples were subjected to Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Principal Components Analysis to assess the belonging of the shards under study to any of the workshops of Zamora. The results matched with the Z-3 reference group linked to the local pottery production of Zamora, specifically to the Olivares workshop.

Pre‐Hispanic gold pieces of an enigmatic archaeological finding in Medellín, Colombia: A glance at an archaeometric analysis

The study analysed pre‐Hispanic gold objects found within a surprising archaeological finding of a structure that likely served as a funeral pyre in Medellín, Colombia.14C analyses of the site's organic materials dated the structure to the fifth centuryce. The metal objects were subjected to X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX), density measurement by the Archimedes method, and metallographic analysis. The measurements by EDXRF and SEM‐EDX showed that the pieces were composed mostly gold and silver. The XRD results indicated that the microstructure of the objects corresponded to a single phase of gold and silver. The images obtained by the metallographic microscope showed equiaxial grains with some twins, a structure consistent with annealed metals. The different colours observed correspond to different grain orientations. Pre‐Hispanic objects from a second archaeological site in the municipality of Amalfi (Department of Antioquia) were also analysed for comparative purposes. The results showed that the gold objects were not subjected to any alloying process, but were instead manipulated in their original form (native gold). The shape of the objects and their microstructural results suggested that the pieces were manufactured by casting, mechanical deformation and then annealing.

Archaeometric analysis of architectural ceramics form the site “Khustiin bulag” Tuv province, Mongolia

A series of architectural ceramics, including roof tiles and bricks from the excavation site at Khustyn Bulag, Mungunmorit soum, Tuv aimag (province) of Mongolia were subjected to detailed archaeometric analysis. We present here results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and their potential to determine the composition of brick samples from one excavation site, and their firing temperatures. In addition, yellow ochre, which is a natural earth rock pigment that contains hydrated iron oxide and represents the most common pigment of antiquity, was revealed at this excavation site. The mineral composition of ochres will be determined and the possible use of it will be discussed.

Archaeometric analysis of ceramic production in Tiwanaku state (c.500–1000 ce): An exploratory study

The chemical and mineralogical characterization of seven ceramic fragments produced within Tiwanaku state (c.500–1000 ce) is reported. The instrumental techniques used included X‐ray elemental and mineralogical chemical analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and light microscopy. The results indicate there are several clay types, although they show similarities, such as the use of a plant‐based temper. The red colour of the decoration is hematite, and manganese oxides such as jacobsite are present in the black. The white colour is a mixture of gypsum and clay, and the orange is a mixture of hematite and clay. The use of colours, the quality of the clays and the temperatures reached during pottery firing point to expertise in ceramic production and to complex decision‐making processes. The multi‐elemental archaeometric approach documented here could become an important tool to shed a light on ancient ceramic technology and the internal variance of Tiwanaku pottery.

New insights into Early Iron Age connections between Sardinia and Etruria: Archaeometric analyses of ceramics from Tavolara

The island of Tavolara off the coast of northeastern Sardinia (Italy) was intermittently occupied from Neolithic to modern times, and recent excavations at the site of Spalmatore di Terra have revealed the presence of Villanovan ceramics on the island dating to the 9th century BCE (according to the traditional chronology). Contacts between Etruria and Sardinia during the Early Iron Age are well documented by the recovery of Nuragic vessels and metal objects in Etrurian burial contexts, but the presence of Villanovan artefacts in Sardinia is comparably rare. Indeed, discoveries from Spalamatore di Terra represent the first evidence of Villanovan ceramics in Sardinia, likely originating from Tyrrhenian Etruria.To investigate the provenance of the ceramics found at Spalamatore di Terra, a representative sample of these materials was chosen to be studied through a combination of petrographic and geochemical characterisation. A particular emphasis was placed on the Villanovan materials that were most abundant, but a selection of Nuragic sherds was also included. The results of these analyses are significant in that they reveal a surprisingly diverse range of ceramic fabrics that can be linked to Etruria, thus providing insights into Tavolara’s place within a broader trans-marine network of interaction.

WRECKED CARGOES OF MARMOR LUCULLEUM (AFRICANO) OF THE ROMAN PERIOD. AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ARCHAEOMETRICAL STUDY

SummaryThe article presents the results of new underwater and laboratory investigations carried out on a cargo of columns and blocks of Roman age from a shipwreck sunk off Capo Taormina (Sicily). The archaeometric analyses (powder XRD and OM with thin sections) indicate the use of marmor luculleum (africano) from the ancient Ionian town of Teos for the columns. The authors compare their results with the data obtained from the other two shipwrecks carrying the same marble sunk off the southern coast of France (Dramont I and Chrétienne M) together with abrasive materials (pumice and corundite [emery]), applying the relevant archaeometric analyses. A maritime traffic of the prestigious stone from Teos into the Central Mediterranean, combined with pumice (from Lipari?) and Naxian corundite – both used in the working of marble ‐ is here reconstructed for the first time. We also propose a date for the Taormina cargo.

A Roman shipwreck with a cargo of Apuan marble (marmor lunense) at Punta del Francese (Stintino‐Sassari, Sardinia)

The wreck‐site of Punta del Francese (Stintino‐Sassari) off the island of Sardinia (Italy) is composed of 14 roughly cubic blocks and slabs of marble lying in an almost coherent arrangement. Archaeometric analyses indicate a provenance of the entire cargo of marble from the Apuan Alps (marmor lunense) of north Italy. Fragments of amphoras confirm its dating to the Flavian period (first century ce). The dimensions of the cargo, and especially of the single blocks, suggest it would have been destined for the building of an important public monument in western Hispania or southern Gallia. A first hypothesis for the ship's sailing route, and a comparison with the other cargoes of marble from Luna, are proposed.

Ravenna, its mosaics and the contribution of archaeometry. A systematic reassessment on literature data related to glass tesserae and new considerations

Written about thirty years after the very first archaeometric analyses carried out on the mosaics of Ravenna, the paper provides a methodical and comprehensive review of data published so far in the literature on this topic. Aimed at reflecting upon what can, according to archaeometry, be actually stated on the provenance and the manufacturing technology of the multi-coloured glass tesserae found in the mosaics adorning the Ravenna monuments, the rassessment delivers a re-examination of published data from a critical thinking perspective. Almost all of the available analyses on Ravenna mosaics have been performed many years ago, when scientific investigations applied to mosaic glass tesserae were at an early stage and the knowledge of manufacturing technology of tesserae was more patchy than today. Data obtained by former investigations carried out on assemblages of tesserae from different monuments in Ravenna and its surrounding area will be, thus, framed in the current research scenario related to mosaic glass production and supply in the late antique Mediterranean world, in order to define an inclusive background to be used as a re-starting point for further investigation and research.

Petrographic contribution to the origin of Early Avar Age ‘Csákberény group’ ceramics

The ‘Csákberény group’ represents a small but stylistically and compositionally distinct group of ceramics types limited to the north-eastern part of the former Roman province of Pannonia, dating between the last third of the 6th and the first quarter of the 7th century CE. This artefact horizon is known for reflecting foreign impacts in the region, especially late antique traditions. Due to their small quantity and limited geographical distribution, the ceramics of the ‘Csákberény group’ are considered to have originated from a few, or only one pottery workshop that displayed similarities with Mediterranean traditions.We examined 40% (nine samples) of all the known extant vessels currently attributed to this group (23 vessels) using polarising light optical microscopy, of which four samples were further examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). Whereas eight samples were similar in their fabrics, one sample, a pot from grave 138 of the cemetery of Csákberény showed a different features and composition from the others. This sample contained very angular unabraded mica-schist and eclogite (omphacite, garnet) fragments as temper. These rock types do not occur in the direct vicinity of any of the archaeological sites from which the sampled vessels were recovered. Based on the comparatively high pyrope content of the garnets and the jadeite content of the pyroxene as measured by SEM-EDS, it was shown that the eclogite fragments belong to the Alpine type (HP-LT) ophiolite eclogites. In Europe this type is connected to Alpine orogenic processes, and found in the territory of Western Alps, the archipelago of the Aegean Sea (Syros, Sifnos) and north-western Anatolia. Based on the archaeometric analysis, the fabric of the pot with eclogite temper differs from the geological environment of the archaeological site at which it was found, therefore, it is probable that it was made out of raw materials characteristic of distant territories. This information points to a possible point of origin of the ‘Csákberény group’, and highlights its social and economic connections within a wider European context.