Pottery Samples Research Articles

A study of the mass-gain of ancient pottery in relation to archeological ages using thermal analysis

The study of mass-gain of ancient pottery in relation to archeological ages is of interest in the dating of pottery. Mass-gain takes place after firing by slow rehydration and rehydroxylation processes in fired-clay ceramics. In the present study, actual mass-gain values of pottery from distinct archeological periods (up to 6500years BP) were obtained from the turn-over mass-loss values by using a thermal analysis method. Regression curves of the mass-loss percentages due to processes of dehydration, dehydroxylation and a combination of the two processes versus the median age (BP) of the pottery samples were obtained. The regression curves demonstrate that the actual mass-loss values of individual pottery samples generally increase over time. High correlation coefficient (R2) values are observed for regression curves of the average mass-loss values, which were calculated for the median age of all pottery samples of the same archeological period. The different factors that influence the mass-gain and lead to deviations in mass-loss values of individual pottery samples in relation to their ages are the type of fired clay, the amount of calcite, the amount of coarse particles (temper) in the pottery and the level of firing. In the present study the results were normalized without the amount of calcite in the ceramics. A precise dating of individual pottery samples according to other factors requires additional analysis methods, which will be applied in future work.

In-depth micro-spectrochemical analysis of archaeological Egyptian pottery shards

Old Egyptian pottery samples have been in-depth microchemically analyzed using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Samples from two different ancient Islamic eras, Mamluk (1250–1517 AD), Fatimid (969–1169 AD) in addition to samples from the Roman period (30 BC–395 AD) were investigated. LIBS provided the analytical data necessary to study in micrometric steps the depth profiling of various elements in each sample. Common elements such as silicon, calcium, and aluminum relevant to the originally manufactured and processed clay, showed up in all the investigated samples. EDX and XRD techniques that have been used in the present work provided important chemical insight about the structure of the samples. The obtained analytical results demonstrated the possibility of using LIBS technique in performing in situ spectrochemical analysis of archaeological pottery. This leads to fast in-depth spatial characterization of the samples in the micron range with nearly invisible surface destructive effects. There is no doubt that this can help in restoration and conservation of such precious objects.

천안-아산지역 원삼국시대 토기의 제작특성과 원료산지 해석: 밖지므레 유적을 중심으로

The purpose of this study were to interpret making characteristics and clay sources for Proto-Three Kingdoms period potteries which were excavated from Bakjimeure site in Tangjeong, Asan, Korea, on the basis of shape types. The pottery samples of the studied included deep bowl pottery, cylinder shaped pottery, duck shaped pottery and rounded based jar with short neck. And the last jar was dominant among them. This is supported in nearby Yongduri Jinter site, Galmaeri site and Baekseokdong site. They vary in terms of color of clay, absorption ratio and mineral classification. Based on the fact that their absorption ratio range was 4.50 to 25.19% and firing temperature range was 850 to , they were thought to be widely used. The equivalence of cylinder shaped pottery, duck shaped pottery and deep bowl pottery was high in terms of material characteristics and their firing temperature range was 850 to . However, the deep bowl pottery, compared to other pottery shapes, contained great amount of coarse grained quartz and feldspar, and was different from others in terms of function. For soil sample collected from relative plains (area 3) in the southernmost part of the site, their mineralogical and geochemical characteristics were the most similar to those of the potteries excavated from the Bakjimeure site and even most of the potteries collected from different sites.

The Firing Temperature of Pottery from Ancient Mesopotamia, Turkey, Using Luminescence Methods: A Case Study for Different Grain‐Size Fractions

The assessment of the firing temperature of a prehistoric pottery sample collected from ancient Mesopotamia, Turkey was studied using luminescence techniques. The methods for this estimation involved the observation of the thermal and pre‐dose sensitization with various re‐firing temperatures for both TL and the OSL signals. In the former case, the 110°C TL peak and the rest of the glow curve were used as proxies in this study. In the framework of a first attempt to investigate the impact of grain‐size dependence on the sensitization of the luminescence signals, the aforementioned study was performed with four different pottery grain‐size fractions: (i) less than 60 μm, (ii) 60–90 μm, (iii) 90–180 μm and (iv) 180–250 μm. The results clearly demonstrated the firing temperature mark of ∼500°C in for the grain size of 90–180 μm, while—as in the case of the lower grain‐size fraction—a third proxy, the ratio of the pre‐dosed to the thermal sensitization, was seen to indicate the firing temperature. The remaining two grain‐size fractions failed to provide any meaningful results with regard to the firing temperature estimation. The dependence of the TL characteristics on the grain size was explained in the framework of the mixed mineralogy.

Rock magnetic and geomagnetic field intensity studies on Megalithic archaeological pottery samples from Tamilnadu, India

Archeointensity (AI) data from India are necessary in order to constraint the global models of the Earth's magnetic field. Unfortunately, no attempts have been made in India for archeointensity determinations using reliable modern scientific methods. In the present study, the rock magnetic and archeointensity investigations were carried out for 40 pottery samples collected from two different archaeological sites of southern India, Marungur (Megalithic burial: 200–300 BC) and Vadaharirajapuram (Megalithic habitation: 200–100 BC). Rock magnetic analyses confirm the suitability of samples for reliable AI measurements. Thermo-magnetic (χ–T) curves for most of the samples indicate the presence of stable magnetite as the main magnetic mineral. AI values were estimated using Zero field/infield (ZI) method, which is a modified Thellier–Thellier technique. All samples were corrected for cooling rate effects. After cooling rate correction, the mean AI values are estimated as 48.22 ± 1.50 μT and 46.08 ± 0.85 μT for the Marungur and Vadaharirajapuram sites respectively. These new AI data from southern India are a little higher compared to the values predicted for the same period from the existing global geomagnetic field models, and would help to improve the global models of the Earth's magnetic field for the past few millennia.

Analysis of the potteries from ancient Liangzhu city-site

The excavation of ancient Liangzhu city-site (5000 B.P.) gave a new perspective on the study of Liangzhu culture and provided important evidence for the origin of Chinese civilization. In this work, the compositions and structures of pottery samples from Liangzhu city-site were analyzed by EDXRF, XRD, EPMA and Raman spectroscopy methods. Tremolite particles were proved to be an admixture for pottery for the first time. Most of the jades of Liangzhu culture were tremolite jades, so there might exist a connection between pottery production and jade making in Liangzhu times. The carburization craft made “black skin pottery” look black. High phosphorus content in pottery body implied that plant ash might have been added into body materials. In addition, the relationship between Liangzhu culture and other cultures was also discussed based on the similarity in pottery making technologies.

Luminescence (IRSL) dating of Yeni Rabat church in Artvin, Turkey

Luminescence dating is a chronological method that has been used extensively in terrestrial materials. In this study, we present Infrared Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) dating results obtained for sediment and pottery samples taken from Yeni Rabat Church, Ardanuç, Artvin, Turkey. For this purpose, equivalent dose (ED) and annual dose rate (AD) of samples were measured. For annual dose rate, concentrations of radioactive isotopes (U, Th, K) were determined by using a high-purity germanium detector. For the equivalent dose, polymineral fine grain SAR (Single Aliquot Regenerative Dose) and MAAD (Multiple Aliquot Additive Dose) procedures were used. The optimal preheat temperature was determined for sediment and pottery samples. Ages were calculated by Aitken's luminescence age calculation method, which found 710±190 years for the pottery sample and 1450±370 years, 1390±420 years, 1430±310 years, 2210±520 years and 1640±390 years for different sediment samples, respectively. These estimated age ranges support the theory that Yeni Rabat Church could have been constructed in medieval times.

Application of a Multi-Analytical Toolset to Characterize the Ancient Pottery from Kottapalayam, Tamilnadu, India Using Spectroscopic Techniques

The aim of this paper is to assess the full potentialities of spectroscopy techniques in the art work investigation and to explore the capabilities in the determination of the chemical and mineralogical composition of ancient pottery excavated from Kottapalayam village, Karur district, Tamilnadu. Spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR. X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microcopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) are utilized in this work. The constituent of the minerals is identified with help of FTIR and compared with Research Article International Research Journal of Pure & Applied Chemistry, 3(3): 210-219, 2013 211 XRD. The combined mineralogical results showed that the pottery samples from Kottapalayam were fired in between 800oC-850oC. The microstructure and elemental composition of the pottery sample were evaluated from their microphotograph by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) along with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). The results are discussed and the conclusion is drawn.

Attempts for Simultaneous Observation of Image and Elemental Component in a Pottery Sample using Neutrons

In the pottery sample which is the replica of the archeological sample, we attempted to get simultaneously not only the image by neutron radiography but also the information about elemental components by prompt gamma-ray analysis (PGA) at the B-4 beam hole that is usually used for the neutron radiography facility in Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute. It was confirmed that qualitative analysis of elements in the pottery sample was successfully performed by PGA at the B-4 beam hole and that PGA is applicable to the large sample analysis for inhomogeneous bulk archeological samples in the future.

Pots and lipids: molecular and isotope evidence of the food processing at Maharski prekop

The pottery assemblage from the Maharski prekop site was analysed to obtain insights into vessel use and husbandry practices. Total lipid extracts of pottery samples were subjected to gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), gas chromatography–combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC–C–IRMS) and soft ionisation electrospray mass spectrometric techniques ESI Q–TOF MS and ESI Q–TOF MS/MS. The charred organic deposits on vessels were AMS 14C dated. The results show that some vessels were used for cooking ruminant meat, while in other traces of mixed non–ruminant and ruminant meat or plants and animal meat cooking were identified. Some vessels were used for milk processing.

Bayesian inference in measurement error models for replicated data

This paper deals with Bayesian inference in measurement error models with unknown error covariances. Our formulation covers heteroscedastic and homoscedastic models for replicated data. Both equation‐error and no‐equation‐error models are included in our proposal. Resorting to data augmentation, we present a simulation‐based framework using the Gibbs sampler. Model selection is also briefly discussed. Results from a simulation study are reported. We work out an illustrative example with a real data set on measurements of mineral element contents in pottery samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Hellenistic and Roman Syracuse (Sicily) Fine Pottery Production Explored by Chemical and Petrographic Analysis

The chemical composition and petrographic features of 51 samples of fine pottery selected from the archaeological site of Syracuse have been established by means of optical microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, with the aim of creating a reference group for the ceramics produced in this important Greek colony during the Hellenistic–Roman period. This reference group is constrained by the analysis of six kiln wasters and of raw materials outcropping in the studied area. Among the studied findings, the main part is assignable imputably to local production, while some specimens probably come from Greece and other colonies (Messina and Gela). The Syracuse fine pottery is characterized by inclusions formed mainly by quartz and micaceous and fossiliferous groundmass. The used pastes were more or less purified through the removal of the sandy-to-coarse silty granulometric fraction. The multivariate statistical analysis of chemical data permits the identification of production at Syracuse on the basis of comparison with the kiln wasters and the Plio-Pleistocene clays.

OSL 연대측정을 통한 풍납토성 축조연대 산출

백제 한성기의 왕성으로 알려진 풍납토성의 축조연대는 고고학 분야의 대표적인 논쟁사항 중 하나이다. 이 연구에서는 풍납토성의 축조연대 편년을 위해 7 개의 토기 시료에 대하여 OSL 연대측정을 수행하였다. 연대측정에 앞서 TL/OSL 신호 관찰 및 절대영년도 평가, 재현성 평가를 수행한 결과, 풍납토성 토기 시료는 절대영년이 완벽히 이루어졌으며 고고선량은 <TEX>$220^{\circ}C$</TEX> 열전처리 온도의 단일시료재현법으로부터 신뢰도 높은 값이 산출되었다. 산출된 고고선량을 연간선량율로 나누어 풍납토성 토기 시료의 OSL 연대를 결정하였다. 풍납토성의 축조연대 편년을 위해 각 토기 시료의 OSL 연대와 고고학적 맥락, 14C 연대 등을 종합하여 판단한 결과, 풍납토성의 초축시점을 <TEX>$294{\pm}52$</TEX> yrs AD (<TEX>$1{\sigma}$</TEX> SE), 제 III 단계 증축을 <TEX>$328{\pm}30$</TEX> yrs AD (<TEX>$1{\sigma}$</TEX> SE), 최종성벽의 완성을 <TEX>$400{\pm}76$</TEX> yrs AD (<TEX>$1{\sigma}$</TEX> SE)로 비정하였다. 따라서 풍납토성은 서기 3세기 후반에 초축된 이후 475년 백제의 웅진천도 이전까지 여러 번의 중축 및 개축이 이루어졌음을 알 수 있었다. Construction era of Pungnabtoseong earthen wall is one of the most popular controversial issues in Korean archaeological research. For the evaluation of construction era, OSL dating was carried out using seven pottery pieces collected in each construction stage. From TL/OSL characteristics, and the results of absolute zeroing test and recovery test, it was proved that the pottery samples were completely bleached. The reliable paleodose was evaluated by using the SAR method with preheat at <TEX>$220^{\circ}C$</TEX>, and the pottery OSL age was determined from the ratio of paleodose to annual dose rate. Considering the resultant OSL ages, archaeological context and the related 14C ages, the first construction era was determined as <TEX>$294{\pm}52$</TEX> yrs AD (<TEX>$1{\sigma}$</TEX> SE). Also we found that the enlargement of construction stage III was <TEX>$328{\pm}30$</TEX> yrs AD (<TEX>$1{\sigma}$</TEX> SE) and final construction was finished within <TEX>$400{\pm}76$</TEX> yrs AD (<TEX>$1{\sigma}$</TEX> SE). Therefore, it is suggested that the construction of Pungnabtoseong earthen wall was firstly started in the late <TEX>$3^{rd}$</TEX> century AD and several enlargements and repairs had been carried out, before the transfer of the capital of Baekje dynasty to Woongjin (Gongju) at 475 AD.

CHALLENGES IN THE ANALYSIS OF HETEROGENEOUS POTTERY BY LA–ICP–MS: A COMPARISON WITH INAA*

Tempers added to pottery have the potential to obscure geographical variation in the chemistry of exploited clay resources when analysed using bulk methods. A pilot study was conducted to assess the possibility of using LA–ICP–MS to analyse clay matrix in pottery with extremely subtle partitions between INAA chemical groups. LA–ICP–MS was used to analyse the clay matrix of 32 pottery samples from seven Middle and Late Woodland period (c. ad 200–800) sites in north‐east Florida and results were compared to data from INAA of the same samples. The results reveal many of the challenges in analysing highly heterogeneous materials with LA–ICP–MS. However, the study also generated data that are potentially useful in the determination of pottery provenance. In some respects, LA–ICP–MS of clay matrix replicated the chemical variation recorded by INAA, and in other respects the results are divergent. The similarities and differences between these results are explained by specific differences between the methods and the materials analysed (matrix versus bulk analysis). Suggestions for improving the method are discussed.

Physical study of the Cucuteni pottery technology

Most of our knowledge concerning the Cucuteni pottery is based on traditional archaeological methods (typology, style and context analysis) and only a few interdisciplinary studies have been published. As there is a strong interest in revealing the basic pottery technology used by the Cucuteni communities we have investigated a significant number of pottery samples from 22 archaeological sites located in Eastern Romania by several physical analysis techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by magnetic measurements, including a first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagram study on the samples showing a hysteretic behavior. The main results presented in this study are discussed and compared with actual knowledge on the ancient Cucuteni pottery.

An analysis of the chemical composition, performance and structure of China Yixing Zisha pottery from 1573 A.D. to 1911 A.D.

Yixing Zisha pottery is one of the most representative and influential traditional tea sets in ancient and even contemporary China. Chemical and phase composition, microstructure and performance of Yixing Zisha pottery samples from the late Ming Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty (1573 A.D.–1911 A.D.) unearthed for the first time in the Shushan Mountain Zisha pottery kiln sites in the western and southern hills of Shushan Mountain, Dingshu Town, Yixing City, China, were systematically analyzed. The chemical composition variations of Yixing Zisha pottery of the above-mentioned periods were studied. Porous structure of Yixing Zisha pottery body was discovered and the relationships among the unique performance of Yixing Zisha pottery, its raw material and the special technological process were discussed.

DECORATED ARCHAIC POTTERY FROM THE HERACLES SANCTUARY AT THEBES: A MATERIALS, TECHNOLOGY AND PROVENANCE STUDY*

Forty‐seven decorated samples of Archaic pottery excavated at a Heracles sanctuary (Thebes, Boeotia) were studied through a combined surface and body approach, using non‐destructive techniques. Most of the samples were archaeologically classified as Theban/Boeotian, others as Corinthian and a few as possibly Euboean. The techniques employed were optical microscopy and SEM–EDAX (micromorphology and compositional analysis of the surfaces) and XRF for the analysis of the ceramic body. The results provided information on the technological level of the collected pottery as well as on the relation of the chemistry and micromorphology of the pigments, aimed at assisting provenance studies.

Classification of glazed potteries from Christian and Muslim territories (Late Medieval Ages, IX–XIII centuries) by micro‐Raman spectroscopy

Technological evolution in pottery making is one of the knowledge transference evidence of Islamic culture in the Iberian Peninsula. In this work, two sets of pottery samples from pre‐Islamic, Muslim and post‐Islamic (Mudejar) stages have been analysed in order to study the evolution of pottery‐making techniques. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy has been used for the thorough characterisation and classification of the potsherds. In order to support Raman‐provided information scanning electron microscope coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (SEM‐EDX) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were also performed. On one hand, the mineralogical assemblage determined through Raman spectroscopy and SEM‐EDX indicates similar pottery‐making procedures in Muslim and Mudejar potsherds, whereas local manufacturing style is detected in Christian ones. On the other hand, the composition and the processing temperature of the glaze, by Raman spectroscopy, have provided clues to differentiate not only between Muslim and Mudejar potsherds as well as to detect Mudejar‐style samples in the Christian territory. This last one opens an interesting discussion about the commercial trade between the ceramic manufacturing territories. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION OF SOME CONSOLIDATION MATERIALS OF EXCAVATED ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTTERY FROM THE REGION OF TEL PASTA AT SHARQIA IN THE EAST OF DELTA

Many of the archaeological pottery objects excavated from the archaeological sites have sufferedfrom different phenomena of deterioration. This kind of pottery needs a consolidation process forimproving the physical and mechanical properties. Some archaeological pottery samples wereobtained from the region of Tel pasta at Sharqia in the East of Delta, dating back to the Ptolemaicage. The pottery samples used in the study represent different models from the site for their use inLaboratory study. Scientific laboratory evaluation of some acrylic and silicon consolidationmaterials were done such as Monomer Poly Methyl Methacrylate, Paraloid B- 82, Ethyl SilicateCopolymer AS 21, a mixture of Ethyl Silicate Copolymer AS 21 and Paraloid B-82 and Tegovakon.Many experiments, tests and different examinations were done on The treated pottery samplessuch as determination of physical and mechanical properties, the examination of scanning electronmicroscope and thermal, light artificial ageing processes. Tests and experiments have all provedthat one of two consolidants (First, a mixture of ethyl silicate copolymer AS21 and Paraloid B-82 ata rate of 1:1. Second, ethyl silicate copolymer AS21) must be used to consolidate archaeologicalpottery discovered from damp soil.

FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and porosity measurements to determine the firing temperature of ancient megalithic period potteries excavated at Adichanallur in Tamilnadu, South India

Scientific examination of archaeological pottery mainly aims to determine the style of production and the techniques involved in its manufacture. Technological characterization includes the evaluation of the original firing conditions. Maximum firing temperatures may be evaluated by firing clays of compositions similar to those used for the production of the ancient objects. In the present work, some of the ancient pottery samples were collected from recently excavated site at Adichanallur, Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu, India to estimate the firing temperature of the pottery samples and atmosphere prevailed at the time of manufacturing those potteries by the ancient artisans. From the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the samples the lower limit of firing temperature have been determined. The upper limit of firing temperature was evaluated by porosimetry method. The scanning electron microscopic analysis is used to narrow down the range of firing temperature and the results are consistent with the results obtained from FT-IR spectroscopic study and porosimetry method.