Ceramic Artifacts Research Articles

Children at play: The role of novices in the production of Europe's earliest Upper Paleolithic ceramics.

Although archaeologists are learning more about the lives of Upper Paleolithic children, the significant contributions they made to the welfare of their communities, including their role in craft production, remain understudied. In the present study, we use high resolution photographs of 489 ceramic artifacts from Dolní Věstonice I and II, Pavlov I and VI, and Předmostí, five archaeological sites in Czechia (ca. 30,000 BP) to address two questions: 1. Can the ceramic products of novices be distinguished from those made by experts? 2. If so, can we tell if these novices were children? To address these questions, we documented variables known ethnographically and archaeologically to be associated with learners in a sample from these five sites. The sample is composed of fired ("ceramic") and unfired ("sedimentary") anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, non-diagnostic figurine fragments and a sample of the so-called "pellets" from one site, Pavlov I. Our results support the hypothesis that ceramic objects are the products of novices, and in many cases, these novices are children. Our findings have implications for inter-generational knowledge transmission, the role of children in craft production and the importance of learning through play.

Analysis of Information Visualization of Ceramic Artifacts in Online Special Exhibitions of Museums -“The Metropolitan Museum of Art” in the United States and “The Palace Museum” in China-

Analysis of Information Visualization of Ceramic Artifacts in Online Special Exhibitions of Museums -“The Metropolitan Museum of Art” in the United States and “The Palace Museum” in China-

Comparative Analysis of the "H"-shaped Symbol from Göbekli Tepe and the Ritual "Binocular-shaped" Ceramics of the Trypillia Culture in Light of Ancient Farmers' Cosmological Beliefs

This article is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the sacred "H"-shaped symbolism, which originates from the ancient temple complex of hunter-gatherers and early farmers of the Near East – Göbekli Tepe. The research identifies and analyzes a similar symbol found in the religious complex of ancient farmers in the territory of modern Ukraine, specifically in the Trypillia culture and its ceramic artifacts known as "Trypillia binoculars." A comparative analysis of these symbols is conducted within the context of the cosmological beliefs of early farming societies in Asia and Europe. Special attention is given to interpreting this symbolism as a reflection of complex religious and philosophical concepts related to the cyclicality of nature, the movement of celestial bodies, and the unity of heaven and earth. The research examines the architectural features of Göbekli Tepe, particularly the arrangement of the T-shaped columns, and their potential astronomical purpose. The author hypothesizes a connection between the physical structure of the temple complex, its T-shaped columns, and the formation of abstract "H"-type symbols. Parallels are drawn between the symbolism of Göbekli Tepe and the ritual artifacts of the Trypillia culture, allowing the hypothesis of shared cosmological concepts between various early farming cultures, despite significant geographical and temporal distances. This article offers a new perspective on the development of religious thought in ancient societies, highlighting the depth and complexity of their spiritual ideas. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the cultural connections and exchange of ideas between ancient civilizations of the Near East and Europe.

Maiolica seen by Vis–NIR hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy: the application of an ultraportable camera at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello

An ultraportable hyperspectral camera operating in the Vis–NIR range (400–1000 nm) was used in this study for the non-invasive analysis of a selection of Italian maiolica wares and sherds from the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy. The studied objects included authentic archaeological sherds, nineteenth-century forgeries, and ceramics of uncertain origin. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis for examining highly refractive and three-dimensional glazed ceramic artefacts within the constraints of a museum environment, including imperfect lighting conditions. Two data processing pipelines were tested: one based on principal component analysis (PCA) with score plots and the other on spectral angle mapper (SAM) classification obtained through the ENVI Spectral Hourglass Wizard (ENVI-SHW). The analyses enabled the discrimination between original parts and/or restored parts and additions. Among others, a complex assemblage of original sherds, restored parts, and non-ceramic parts was observed in a Renaissance pastiche vase. Furthermore, the method enabled the identification of the various chromophores providing clues on the artistic colour palette. In particular, the identification of chromium in the blue and green glazes of two objects of uncertain chronology suggested that they were not made before the nineteenth century. The acquisition of a larger and more detailed database of HSI data on maiolica glazes is strongly encouraged to improve the applicability of this method in authenticity, art-historical and archaeological studies.

Compositional and Microstructural Investigations of Prehistoric Ceramics from Southern Romania (Middle Neolithic Pottery)

In this paper, based on our previous expertise on ceramic artifacts, several archaeometric methods applied to some samples collected from the Dudești archaeological site (Oltenia region, Romania) are reported for the first time in the literature. The chemical composition, and microstructural and morphological characterization of these samples offer important conclusions about the processing conditions. Some specific techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), optical microscopy (OM), stereomicroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy provide compositional information about composition and the decay processes. Additionally, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method helps to estimate pore sizes and specific surface areas. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/TDG) was used to establish details regarding the production technology and also the raw materials source used to make the ceramics. The obtained results indicated that the ceramics are based on a paste of muscovite and feldspar, with high plasticity, together with quartz and hematite/goethite and calcite, the latter in very low concentrations. According to the obtained results, we could assume that clays from the investigated samples had a low concentration of calcium. Gypsum is present as paste in a very low concentration, identified by the presence of a sulphate group in WDXRF. In the same context, iron oxides have a significant impact on the firing atmosphere of iron-rich clay, resulting in blackening under reducing conditions and a reddish coloration under oxidative conditions. The use of hematite and gypsum as pigments further contributes to the color variations in the pottery. The consistent firing temperature range of 200–600 °C in Dudești pottery implies a standardized production process, the variation in color being dependent on the specific reducing/oxidative regime conditions (reducing atmosphere followed by rapid oxidation). This relationship between clay composition and local sources suggests a connection to Neolithic pottery production in the region and their color depending on the reducing/oxidative regime conditions.

The potential of new eco-friendly formulations in enhancing the protection of ceramic artifacts

This study focuses on transforming the consolidation formulations based on Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), which is an eco-friendly bio-based cellulosic polymer with inherent hydrophilic characteristics to a hydrophobic one. This will be done via integrating the polymer with nano-silica and hydrophobic nano-silica, to enhance its consolidating properties to be in line with the global trend of replacing conventional materials with eco-friendly alternatives. Three different formulations were prepared, including HPC polymer solely, HPC integrated with nano-silica (NS), and HPC integrated with hydrophobic nano-silica (HNS). Primarily, nano-silica and hydrophobic nano-silica were synthesized and characterized using TEM and XRD. Subsequently, the prepared formulations were applied to artificial ceramic artifacts to evaluate their physical and mechanical properties, encompassing parameters such as water absorption, color change, contact angle, SEM/EDX, and digital microscopy. The results revealed that the incorporation of hydrophobic nano-silica significantly enhanced the mechanical and the physical properties of the cellulosic polymer, besides the extreme change that happened to its hydrophilic properties which was developed to a very good hydrophobic one. The success of these consolidation formulations can pave the way for the utilization of bio-based polymers with their inherent eco-friendly nature in the consolidation and restoration processes of cultural heritage artifacts, which can help in the contribution to the expanding body of knowledge in sustainable materials for conservation purposes.

Regional Engagement, Identity, and Exchange Across an Indigenous Borderland: An Investigation of Ceramic Artifacts in the International Four Corners Area of the American Southwest/Mexican Northwest

Archaeologists traditionally assess the archaeological record of the International Four Corners area through a perspective focused on external cultural traditions and processes. In particular, prior interpretations view the history of this portion of the American Southwest/Mexican Northwest as either the northern periphery of the Casas Grandes culture or the southern extent of the Salado culture. However, there are few systematic investigations of excavated sites and individual site excavation reports that offer competing views of a highly connected frontier or a weakly integrated, independent series of residential sites. To better understand the dynamics of the region, I analyzed ca. 80,000 ceramic artifacts from 11 sites and compared the assemblages. Results demonstrate that sites in the area have dynamic internal histories that do not readily fit within existing models for peripheral zones. I interpret the collective assemblages as indicative of a borderlands zone wherein mixed identities, exchange networks, and ethnicities abounded.

Unraveling Island Economies through Organic Residue Analysis: The Case of Mocha Island (Southern Chile)

Abstract Biophysical conditions played a fundamental role in early human colonization of insular territories, particularly in food-producing societies dealing with limited resources and the challenges of maintaining a sustainable carrying capacity. Studies on past human colonization of small oceanic islands thus offer insights into economic plasticity, ecological impacts, and adaptation of early food-producing groups. On the coast of southern Chile, early evidence is dated to 950 cal BP of island colonization by coastal populations with mainland subsistence systems based on the exploitation of marine resources, along with gathering, managing, and cultivating plants and hunting terrestrial animals. Strikingly, the extent to which these mixed economies contributed to insular colonization efforts is largely unknown. Here we used organic residue analysis of ceramic artifacts to shed light on the subsistence of populations on Mocha Island in southern Chile. We extracted and analyzed lipids from 51 pottery sherds associated with the El Vergel cultural complex that flourished in southern Chile between 950 and 400 cal BP. Chemical and stable isotope analysis of the extracts identified a range of food products, including C3 and C4 plants and marine organisms. The results reveal the central role of mixed subsistence systems in fueling the colonization of Mocha Island.

Provenance, technology and possible function of Gáta–Wieselburg vessels from the Trieste Karst (northeastern Italy)

AbstractA few scattered vessels, typologically attributed to the Gáta–Wieselburg culture, are known from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeastern Italy. This culture spread during the Early Bronze Age (Reinecke Br A1b and A2, 2100–1700/1600 bc) in present‐day eastern Austria, western Hungary and southwestern Slovakia. Rare ceramic artefacts, typically biconical double‐handled jugs with well‐burnished surfaces, have been discovered in caves of the Trieste Karst (Ciclami, Tartaruga, Teresiana and Ossa) and the Natisone Valley (Velika jama). This study aims to outline the technology, provenance and probable use of these rare jugs from the Trieste Karst. Two of these vessels from the Ciclami and Tartaruga caves have been investigated using various destructive and non‐destructive techniques, including optical microscopy, X‐ray computed microtomography and prompt‐gamma activation analysis, and chemically compared to contemporaneous vessels from the core region of the Gáta–Wieselburg culture in Hungary (10 vessels specifically analysed for this project) and earlier Neolithic and Copper Age vessels, likely produced locally in the Karst, Slovenia and Hungary. Based on the obtained results, the investigated Karst vessels were imported. Tentative identification of plant and animal lipids using organic residue analysis (i.e., gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) sheds light on their possible function.

Kinetics and mechanism of (re)hydroxylation in fired clay minerals

AbstractThree types of smectite with various crystallochemical compositions and interlayer cations as well as kaolinite and illite were fired at 800°C and 650°C and tested for their rehydroxylation's (RHX) potential and kinetics in the presence of water vapor at 200°C–350°C. A dehydroxylated structure of 2:1 Al‐rich mineral with the interlayer pillared by a large cation (like K+ or Cs+) is wide enough to allow H2O diffusion which results in advanced RHX, that is, restoring up to several tens of percent of the original OH content. Such 2:1 layer structures (beidellite, illite) do not follow the time‐to‐the‐quarter (TTTQ) kinetics during RHX and show a non‐Arrhenius behavior for isothermal RHX. Because TTTQ kinetics is assumed in an RHX dating of ceramic artifacts in archaeometry, fired‐clay ceramics prepared from material dominated by Al‐rich 2:1 minerals was found unfeasible for RHX dating.Kaolinite and Mg2+‐ or Ca2+‐exchanged smectites show the Arrhenius behavior and follow the TTTQ kinetics of RHX, resulting in apparent Ea increase with the progress of reaction (up to α ∼0.2) of ∼20–50 kJ/mol in beidellite and 15–35 kJ/mol in montmorillonite. We suggest using ‘hydroxylation’ rather than ‘rehydroxylation’ for structurally‐disordered fired clays gaining OH groups in an unknown position.

Tribute Trade: A Comparative Study of Yuan Dynasty Ceramics and Sukhothai Dynasty Ceramics

Ceramics in Southeast Asian countries have been deeply influenced by Chinese ceramics, yet they also embody unique cultural attributes. This paper traces the tribute trade between the Yuan Dynasty of China and the Sukhothai Dynasty of Thailand, seeking commonalities in ceramics during that period. The study aims to compare and analyze the roles, styles, techniques, and mutual influences of Yuan Dynasty ceramics and Sukhothai Dynasty ceramics in tribute trade. Through the collection and analysis of relevant historical documents, archaeological data, and ceramic artifacts, it unveils the connections and distinctions between the ceramics of these two dynasties. The research explores the impacts of cultural exchange between the two nations in ceramics, including the transmission of techniques, artistic influences, and the exchange of art. The results of the study demonstrate that Yuan Dynasty ceramics and Sukhothai Dynasty ceramics mutually influenced each other in tribute trade and cultural exchange, jointly driving the development and innovation of ceramic art in both countries. This research holds significant importance for a deeper understanding of the diversity of Eastern ceramic culture and cultural exchange in tribute trade.

Ceramic Artifacts of Kyrgyzstan: Integrative Investigation

Ceramic Artifacts of Kyrgyzstan: Integrative Investigation

Industrial Scale Manufacturing of Red Ceramic Sealing Blocks with Ornamental Stone Wastes

Purpose: The objective of this work was to manufacture, on an industrial scale, sealing blocks, made in the red ceramic industry, incorporating ornamental stone wastes in percentages of 0%, 10% and 20% in the ceramic mass. Theoretical framework: Red ceramics has an important paper in the construction industry. The sealing block is one of the most used products due to its thermal and acoustic insulation power. The state of Espírito Santo is one of the largest producers and exporters of ornamental stones in the country. The processing of these stones generate large amounts of fine waste. These wastes are deposited daily in ornamental stone landfills. Brazil generates around 2.5 million tons of fine waste per year, where the state of Espírito Santo is responsible for 2 million tons. Method/design/approach: The sealing blocks were manufactured by extrusion in the size of 90x190x190 mm, without waste and with ornamental stone waste. After extrusion, the artifacts were dried in an oven for 7 days at 40°C. They were subsequently burned for 72 hours at a temperature of 900°C. Results and conclusion: The results showed that the specimens manufactured with waste showed lower water absorption, which is a positive factor, they also met the geometric characteristics tests determined by the Brazilian standard for ceramic materials. Research implications: Use ornamental stone waste that is deposited in millions of tons in landfills to manufacture red ceramic artifacts and thus contribute to reducing environmental impact. Originality/value: Produce sealing blocks with ten holes in the red clay ceramic industry and certify their technological feasibility through tests established by Brazilian standards.

Non-Destructive Textural Characterization of Southern Romanian Neolithic and Chalcolithic Pottery Using Digital Image Analysis on Tomographically Reconstructed Sections

Pottery is a complex archaeological material that is found ubiquitously in various spatial–temporal frameworks from all over the world; therefore, it is of great importance to archaeological research. The current paper aims to present and discuss the results obtained on a batch of Neolithic (ca. 6000–5000 BC) and Chalcolithic (ca. 5000–3900 BC) pottery sherds from Southern Romania through X-ray Computed Tomography, a non-destructive methodology that allows for the 3D reconstruction and precise measurement of inclusions and voids present within ceramic artefacts. Images from several potsherds were subsequently exported and analyzed by means of dedicated software (ImageJ 1.44p and GIMP) to extract quantitative information on the observed features. Grain size and morphometric analyses were performed on the particles, while the contour variability of the examined inclusions was characterized through the application of shape descriptors. Voids were analyzed in order to reveal specific orientation patterns through the examination of the aspect ratio of the holes and of the Rayleigh z test values. These analyses evidenced the general reliance of moderately and poorly sorted clays for ceramic production, accompanied by a gradual transition from organic to grog tempering, while conservative traditions remained prevalent in primary pottery-forming processes.

Ceramic Artifacts Investigations By Nuclear Techniques

Abstract The paper aims to conduct a novel investigation of some ceramic samples that were taken from Hunedoara's Corvins' Castle (Romania). Some nuclear analytical techniques, such as WDXRF, XRD, neutron diffraction, and neutron tomography, will be used in the investigations. These techniques will be correlated with data from FTIR and Raman spectra. There were experimental data on the mineral and chemical composition that were gathered from the object's surface. Neutron tomography was used to examine the spatial distribution of the phases, while X-ray and neutron diffraction aid in determining the phase composition of the samples under study. The composition of the ceramic samples was identified by the results as follows: quartz, hematite, feldspar, and calcite. Zirconia and titanium dioxide were found in the green pigments. The application of non-destructive techniques that have a high penetration rate into bulk objects seems appropriate in this instance.

Study on the English Translation of the Names of Ceramic Artifacts in Museums

By analyzing the structure and language characteristics of the names of ceramic exhibits in the collection, this paper puts forward the main points of translation and the corresponding translation methods, further analyzes the components of the names of porcelain from the perspective of glaze color, shape, decoration, place of origin, age and other aspects. The purpose of this study is to standardize the translation of the names of ceramic artifacts in the museum’s collection, and to improve the appreciation and awareness of the museum’s porcelain among international tourists.

External Reflection FTIR Spectroscopy Applied to Archaeological Pottery: A Non-Invasive Investigation about Provenance and Firing Temperature

The mineralogical composition of archaeological pottery is closely related to the raw material and the firing conditions, thus constituting a source of information both on the origin and the manufacturing technology of ceramic artefacts. The techniques used to clarify the composition of the ceramic material from the point of view of the mineralogical phases include X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and petrographic analysis. Such techniques normally require the taking of a sample from the object, thus often limiting their applicability to sherds rather than intact vessels. The present study aims to investigate the possibility of applying reflection FTIR spectroscopy in the mid- and near-IR to the non-invasive analysis of the mineralogical composition of archaeological pottery, with reference to a set of Etruscan ceramic materials from the excavation of Tarquinia (Italy).

INTEGRATED APPROACH TO STUDYING CERAMIC ARTIFACTS IN KYRGYZSTAN

The purpose of this article is to apply an integrated research approach for the reconstruction of ceramic production technology in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic based on the results obtained by modern methods. The paper summarizes for the first time the results of the study of physical-mechanical and physical-chemical properties and an attempt is made to reveal the methods of technical analysis of ceramic artifacts. An unified scientific approach to ceramics of various periods from the II millennium BC to the X-XII centuries, excavated in Kyrgyzstan, to determine the relationship between their microstructure and physical and mechanical properties. Ceramics technology, like no other industry, requires this kind of research due to the specifics of technical information associated with both natural and social factors. Lack of solid knowledge in the field of ceramics technology has prevented them from obtaining important information about Kyrgyz history, culture, and economy, which is the subject of their nation-building efforts. However, a comprehensive study of the production technique, types, composition and quality of ceramics would open up completely new prospects for confirming the antiquity of Kyrgyzstan.

Design and calibration of an elliptical crystal spectrometer for the diagnosis of proton-induced x-ray emission (PIXE)

Laser-driven proton-induced x-ray emission (laser-PIXE) is a nuclear analysis method based on the compact laser ion accelerator. Due to the transient process of ion acceleration, the laser-PIXE signals are usually spurted within nanoseconds and accompanied by strong electromagnetic pulses (EMP), so traditional multi-channel detectors are no longer applicable. In this work, we designed a reflective elliptical crystal spectrometer for the diagnosis of laser-PIXE. The device can detect the energy range of 1 keV–11 keV with a high resolution. A calibration experiment was completed on the electrostatic accelerator of Peking University using samples of Al, Ti, Cu, and ceramic artifacts. The detection efficiency of the elliptical crystal spectrometer was obtained in the order of 10−9.

Use of the potter's wheel at Shimao, Shaanxi, China

Shimao is among the largest settlements dating back to the late Longshan to early Bronze Age in Northern China. The Huangchengtai locality is often identified as the palace center of Shimao. The excavation of a large number of ceramic artifacts from this site presents an excellent opportunity to study Shimao's pottery technology. To understand the use of the potter's wheel and the traces left on ceramics, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of ceramics from the Huangchengtai locality. This investigation involved observing technological traces, X-ray photography, and microstructural analysis. The results revealed that the majority of the ceramic pots were made using the techniques of coiling and molding. However, a small portion of the pottery displayed techniques of throwing and turning. Interestingly, neither Shimao nor its neighbors had access to highly developed fast-wheel technology during that period. Moreover, many of the pots made on the potter's wheel in Shimao show a connection to pots found in the Longshan culture in the Central Plains. Therefore, it is likely that Shimao's fast-wheel technology originated from the Central Plains.