EDXRF analysis of pigment used for the decoration of Mleiha pottery

Identification of mineral inclusions in archaeological ceramics using microbeam X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry

“…It is distinguished by its orange-red colour and the presence of characteristic red inclusions. [1] The majority of these pots and fragments were discovered in residential areas, and not in burial sites, which means that they were utilised for everyday domestic use rather than burial ceremonies. Furthermore, no similar pottery was ever found outside Mleiha, which supports the hypothesis that it was locally manufactured for local consumption, [14] such claims of provenance however need proper scientific verification.…”

“…(a)]. It is distinguished by its orange‐red colour and the presence of characteristic red inclusions . The majority of these pots and fragments were discovered in residential areas, and not in burial sites, which means that they were utilised for everyday domestic use rather than burial ceremonies.…”

“…Ceramic artefacts are investigated using a variety of analytical techniques. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Usually, non-destructive techniques are preferred in order to preserve the artefact's integrity, but in cases where provenance is of concern, semi-destructive techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and petrography are utilised. For example, when performing quantitative elemental analysis of ceramic sherds, XRF analysis is performed on powder samples made by crushing and then milling pieces of the sherds in question, into fine homogenous powders, [7] pressed into pellets [8] or fused into glass beads.…”

“…Ceramic artefacts are investigated using a variety of analytical techniques . Usually, non‐destructive techniques are preferred in order to preserve the artefact's integrity, but in cases where provenance is of concern, semi‐destructive techniques such as X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and petrography are utilised.…”

“…Such information is useful in clustering ceramic artefacts as well as establishing provenance . Microbeam XRF is employed here to study mineral inclusions in the Mleiha ceramics, in order to provide a more accurate data towards provenance. The importance of discovering the origins of these ceramic artefacts lies in the fact that very little is known of the civilization of Mleiha during the period 3 rd c. BC to 3 rd c. AD .…”