White Encrustation Produced from Deer Antler Phosphate on Prehistoric Ceramics from Podunavlje. (16th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kos, K.; Posilović, H.; Durman, A.; Ristić, M.; Krehula, S.
• Is Part Of: Archaeometry. Volume 57:Number 4(2015)
• Page Start: 636
• Page End: 652
• Publication Date: 2014-06-16
• Subjects: Archaeometry -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Expertising -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1111/arcm.12108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-813X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The composition and structure of the white pigments used in the encrustation paste on prehistoric ceramics is analysed and described. Encrustations, pigments and their use were studied chronologically, starting with their first appearance during the early Kostolac culture (3500–3000 <sc>bc</sc>, Copper Age), their very extensive use in the Vučedol culture (3000–2500 <sc>bc</sc>, Copper Age) and their final disappearance with the Pannonian complex of Encrusted Pottery (2000–1500 <sc>bc</sc>, Bronze Age). Most of the Kostolac and Vučedol culture material is from the Vučedol and Vinkovci Hotel localities. The Pannonian culture material is from the Grabrovac (Ðakovo) locality. The encrustations were analysed by deep field optical microscopy, polarization microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with EDS, and XRD. Our investigation showed that from the very beginning to the end of the use of the encrustation technique in this area and by these cultures, the composition of the white paste was quite unique. The base material is produced by burning and powdering of deer antler. Crushed freshwater clam shells (<italic>Unio</italic> sp.) were a common addition to the phosphate paste.</p> </abstract>