Pottery Provenance in the Eastern Mediterranean Using Lead Isotopes

Renson, Virginie; Slane, Kathleen Warner; Rautman, Marcus; Kidd, Bruce; Guthrie, John; Glascock, Michael D.

doi:10.1111/arcm.12217

Cited by 14 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…The characterization of Sr and Nd isotopes represents an interesting, though little‐explored method that indicates the potential of radiogenic isotope analysis for determining the provenance of ancient ceramics (De Bonis et al, 2018; Kibaroğlu et al, 2019; Renson, Jacobs, et al, 2013; Renson, Martínez‐Cortizas, et al, 2013; Renson et al, 2016). The analyses conducted by the Naples group (De Bonis et al, 2018; Morra et al, 2020) tested the use of Sr and Nd isotopes for ceramic replicas made with local raw materials and archaeological pottery manufactured in the GBNR.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multianalytical investigation of wasters from the Tower 8/Porta di Nola refuse middens in Pompeii: Sr–Nd isotopic, chemical, petrographic, and mineralogical analyses

et al. 2021

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A total of nine representative pottery fragments belonging to ferruginous, carbonate, and thin‐walled wares were recovered in refuse middens outside the fortification wall of Pompeii and subjected to a program of multianalytical operations (thermal ionization mass spectrometry, X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray powder diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive spectrometry techniques, optical microscopy). The fragments bear manufacturing defects, indicating their local production in workshops located somewhere at Pompeii. These three groups display a similar volcanic coarse component that exhibits distinct chemical compositions. The volcanic component consists of alkali feldspar, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, minor garnet, and rock fragments (with primarily plagioclase and leucite), pointing to an origin from the Somma‐Vesuvius. The fingerprint of the Sr–Nd isotopes of carbonate ware suggests an affinity with high‐CaO clays from Rufoli, a subdivision of Salerno. Sr–Nd isotopes also suggest that clays from the Sorrentine Peninsula were used: A clay mixture of different argillified pyroclastic materials was employed for the low‐CaO ferruginous ware, whereas the low‐CaO thin‐walled ware was manufactured with a marine varicolored clay. The distribution of materials likely occurred by sea via the port at Salernum and Surrentum. The combination of different types of complementary data obtained through this program of analysis illustrates the importance of combining both quantitative petrographic and chemical characterization in the evaluation of archaeological pottery.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multianalytical investigation of wasters from the Tower 8/Porta di Nola refuse middens in Pompeii: Sr–Nd isotopic, chemical, petrographic, and mineralogical analyses

et al. 2021

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“…They noticed that the composition of Group D is similar to ‘des sigillées chypriotes tardives’, 13 interpreted as a continuation of the Cypriot Sigillata (or Eastern Sigillata D) of Late Hellenistic to Early Roman date, due to the similarities in their chemical composition (Meyza 2007, 17–20). The results of scientific analyses (Meyza 2002; Lund 2015, 166–8; Bes 2015, 19–20; Renson et al 2016, 62–4; Hammond et al 2018, 118–19), as well as the abundance of these wares on the island, led to their being considered of Cypriot provenance 14 . Based on the evidence available so far, it is not possible to suggest a specific production location for PG 6.…”

Section: Production Groups Presentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The wheel-made lamps with a biconical body in vertical section classified to PG 6 are characterised by the same elemental and mineralogical compositions as well as the appearance of fabric and surface treatment as a group of Early Hellenistic colour-coated ware pottery from the Agora (Marzec 2017, 214, Fabric Group 3), which is characterised by the same elemental composition as group D of colour-coated ware pottery distinguished by M. Picon and F. Blondé (2002, 14–15). They indicated that pottery classified to group D was produced from similar raw materials as Late Roman D/Cypriot Red Slip Ware, for which south-western Cyprus (Hayes 1967; 1985, 79; 1991, 37–8; Meyza 2002; Lund 2015, 166–8; Bes 2015, 19–20; Renson et al 2016, 62–4; Hammond et al 2018, 121) or south-western Turkey (Gunneweg, Perlman and Yellin 1983; Jackson et al 2012) were suggested as potential production locations.…”

Section: Directions Of Supplymentioning

confidence: 99%

Production and Supply of Ceramic Oil Lamps in Hellenistic and Early Roman Nea Paphos, Cyprus: Integrated Typological, Chronological and Provenance Studies

Kajzer

Marzec

Kiriatzi

et al. 2021

Annu. Br. Sch. Athens

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This paper presents the results of a multipronged approach to the study of the Hellenistic and Early Roman ceramic oil lamps excavated at the Agora of Nea Paphos in Cyprus. The assemblage was studied macroscopically, and selected samples were analysed through WD-XRF spectroscopy and thin section petrography, combined with refiring tests. The integrated results revealed that local production changed through time in terms of lamp shapes, manufacturing techniques and clay recipes, while imported lamps originated from a range of sources. The transformations seen in the local production correlate with changes in the origin of imported lamp supply and the impact of other centres on the local lamp manufacture. These patterns in production and supply could be most likely associated with political transformations and urban development.

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“…For provenance studies, geochemical data are often processed by using statistical methods able to create correlation among group of samples, also in comparison with databases [6,7]. When geochemical tracers fail in group classification and provenance discrimination, recent studies have demonstrated the merits of isotopic analysis as clay provenance fingerprint [8,9]. Ceramics are the most numerous records in archaeological excavations and are often expendable for destructive analysis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Synchrotron X-ray Microprobes: An Application on Ancient Ceramics

et al. 2021

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Synchrotron X-ray µ- and nano-probes are increasingly affirming their relevance in cultural heritage applications, especially in material characterization of tiny and complex micro-samples which are typical from archaeological and artistic artifacts. For such purposes, synchrotron radiation facilities are tailoring and optimizing beamlines and set-ups for CH, taking also advantages from the challenges offered by the third-generation radiation sources. In ancient ceramics studies, relevant information for the identification of production centers and manufacture technology can be obtained in a non-invasive and non-destructive way at the micro-sample level by combining different SR based methods. However, the selection of appropriate beamlines, techniques and set-ups are critical for the success of the experiments. Fine and varnished wares (e.g., Attic and western-Greek colonial products) are an excellent case study for exploring challenges offered by synchrotron X-ray microprobes optimized to collect microchemical and phase-distribution maps. The determination of provenance and/or technological tracers is relevant in correctly classifying productions, often based only on ceramic paste, gloss macroscopic features or style. In addition, when these vessels are preserved in Museums as masterpieces or intact pieces the application of non-invasive approach at the micro sample is strictly required. Well-designed synchrotron µXRF and µXANES mapping experiments are able providing relevant clues for discriminating workshops and exploring technological aspects, which are fundamental in answering the current archaeological questions on varnished Greek or western-Greek colonial products.

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Pottery Provenance in the Eastern Mediterranean Using Lead Isotopes

Cited by 14 publications

References 22 publications

Multianalytical investigation of wasters from the Tower 8/Porta di Nola refuse middens in Pompeii: Sr–Nd isotopic, chemical, petrographic, and mineralogical analyses

Multianalytical investigation of wasters from the Tower 8/Porta di Nola refuse middens in Pompeii: Sr–Nd isotopic, chemical, petrographic, and mineralogical analyses

Production and Supply of Ceramic Oil Lamps in Hellenistic and Early Roman Nea Paphos, Cyprus: Integrated Typological, Chronological and Provenance Studies

Synchrotron X-ray Microprobes: An Application on Ancient Ceramics

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