Provenance and technology of ceramic artefacts

Scientific analysis of ancient ceramic materials is
a core topic in archaeological studies. This book
provides a concise introduction into the critical
aspects of analytical pottery studies and
demonstrates their significance with four detailed
case studies.
Integrated geoscientific analytical methodologies,
such as XRF, ICP-MS, XRD, SEM, EPMA and RS, have the
potential to resolve difficult archaeometric
research questions. An in-depth knowledge of the
bulk and mineral chemistry, as well as the
microstructural and micromorphological sherd
attributes, together with geological and
palaeozoological observations, provides evidence for
establishing the raw-materials, preparation
techniques, firing procedure and post-depositional
alteration. Details about provenance and technology
of ancient ceramics can, consequently, be better
constrained.

Autorentext

Cornelius Tschegg finished his diploma in geology at the Institute of Geological Sciences (University of Vienna) in 2005, with a focus on petrology and geochemistry. In 2006, he started archaeometric and geoscientific studies on ancient ceramic materials and finished his PhD on this subject in 2008.

Klappentext

Scientific analysis of ancient ceramic materials is a core topic in archaeological studies. This book provides a concise introduction into the critical aspects of analytical pottery studies and demonstrates their significance with four detailed case studies. Integrated geoscientific analytical methodologies, such as XRF, ICP-MS, XRD, SEM, EPMA and RS, have the potential to resolve difficult archaeometric research questions. An in-depth knowledge of the bulk and mineral chemistry, as well as the microstructural and micromorphological sherd attributes, together with geological and palaeozoological observations, provides evidence for establishing the raw-materials, preparation techniques, firing procedure and post-depositional alteration. Details about provenance and technology of ancient ceramics can, consequently, be better constrained.