Analysis of the middle Neolithic trichrome pottery: Characterization of the decoration using X-Ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. (April 2019) - Angeli, L.
Abstract: Trichrome painted wares spread out during the Middle Neolithic (between 5000 and 4500 cal. BC) along the Adriatic side of the Italian Peninsula. The pottery production was characterized by a very fine-granulated paste defined figuline and by a decoration painted with red and black colors. This research reports the results of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis focused on the decoration of the ceramics from two distinct geographical groups, corresponding to the village of Ripoli (Abruzzo, Central Italy) and to the Matera's caves (Basilicata, Southern Italy). A representative set of samples has been studied. XRF and micro-Raman analyses reveal that the black decoration was obtained using a black pigment based on manganese-iron oxide, whereas the red one includes iron oxides. To investigate the multilayer structure of the samples, a Monte Carlo simulation has been performed on the XRF data. The results, together with the data achieved on samples of the Serra d'Alto Culture from Matera's sites, allow to confirm previous hypotheses on the figuline production. In particular, a technological evolution is proven by the selection and control of the raw materials associated to a technologically advanced firing system. The choice of a manganese pigment is a further technological connotation of figuline potteries. Highlights: Characterization of Trichrome Neolithic pottery decorations with non-invasive techniques Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the multilayer structure of the more complex samples The peculiar use of Mn-based black pigments in the Neolithic trichrome painted wares New insight of the manufacturing technology of figuline belonging to Ripoli and Serra d'Alto Culture