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Bioapatite or hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocomposite and the main component of hard tissues such as bones and teeth. Owing to its unique physical and chemical properties, synthetically produced hydroxyapatite has found extensive... more
Bioapatite or hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocomposite and the main component of hard tissues such as bones and teeth. Owing to its unique physical and chemical properties, synthetically produced hydroxyapatite has found extensive applications in medicine and dentistry. More recently, the direct in situ formation of hydroxyapatite through reaction chemistries between calcium-rich matrices in stone, wall paintings, and bone, and ammonium phosphate precursors induced via a wet-chemistry route, has been explored as a potential inorganic mineral consolidant for cultural heritage artifacts. Building on previous studies, this research tests a new multi-step process to control the deposition, crystal formation and growth of HAP on archaeological bone, through the application of calcium hydroxide colloids, collagen, and diammonium phosphate precursors. Here we describe the step-by-step approach for the application of precursors, formation of HAP and the methods of evaluation based on the char...
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ABSTRACT This research develops hydroxyapatite (HAP)-based, inorganic mineral systems for the consolidation of powdery wall paintings of archaeological significance. The scientific approach exploits biomimetic (biologically inspired... more
ABSTRACT This research develops hydroxyapatite (HAP)-based, inorganic mineral systems for the consolidation of powdery wall paintings of archaeological significance. The scientific approach exploits biomimetic (biologically inspired design) principles to induce in situ the formation of protective HAP crystals by triggering reactions between the calcium carbonate-rich layers in wall paintings and ammonium phosphate precursors. The high solubility and absence of toxicity of ammonium phosphate precursors and the stability of the hydroxyapatite reaction product at varying pH, renders this treatment extremely promising for consolidation and protection of weathered wall paintings. Experimental trials were carried out on wall painting test blocks applying cellulose compresses of 1M and 2M solutions of diammonium hydrogen phosphate for 3 to 6 hours contact time. The consolidating effect was evaluated through microstructurally and compositionally-sensitive analytics including VPSEM-EDS, XRF, water sorption test and scotch tape test. Preliminary results indicated the formation of a porous hydroxyapatite network at the surface and subsurface of the test blocks with improved cohesion, pH-resistivity and reduced water absorption. These data show the potential of this treatment for the consolidation of powdery wall paintings and their protection from weathering and deterioration induced by natural aging and environmental action-linked effects.
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The archaeometric study of glass provides not only an understanding about the technology and manufacture of this material, but can also shed light on aspects of ancient societies such as trade, craft specialization, and cultural... more
The archaeometric study of glass provides not only an understanding about the technology and manufacture of this material, but can also shed light on aspects of ancient societies such as trade, craft specialization, and cultural connections. The research presented will look to answer questions about glass production and trade in southeastern Europe through the analysis of glass and faience beads from the sites of Lofkënd (southwest Albania) and Methone (northern Greece). This study applies a multi-analytical approach to identify the raw materials used to make these 13th-9th c. BC vitreous artifacts and source their origins. Specifically major, minor and trace element analysis conducted with SEM-EDS and LA-ICPMS, along with radiogenic isotopic studies using SIMS, is used to determine the composition and sources of the raw materials in order to provide information on the glass manufacturing industry and interregional trade during the LBA-EIA transition in this area. These techniques are also used to analyze severely corroded beads from both Albania and Greece in order to understand the mechanisms that led to their current condition and the types of information that can be obtained from such deteriorated objects in order to determine their composition, technology and origins.
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This project focuses on the characterization of materials from burial offerings and painted decoration in a royal Maya tomb at El Zotz, Guatemala, and their association with mortuary rituals. Archaeological findings included vessels, jade... more
This project focuses on the characterization of materials from burial offerings and painted decoration in a royal Maya tomb at El Zotz, Guatemala, and their association with mortuary rituals. Archaeological findings included vessels, jade masks, organic materials (wood, cord, and textiles), specular hematite cubes, shells with powdered cinnabar, green (malachite) painted stucco assumed to have decorated the wooden bier where the king was resting, and caches of lip-to-lip Aguila Orange bowls containing human phalanges. In this paper we describe preliminary findings from non-invasive and non-destructive analytical techniques including XRF, VPSEM-EDS, and XRD, emphasizing the potential of these combined technologies in the identification of organic and inorganic markers to infer burial customs. The nature and location of the findings, the evidence of pigment coloration on the bones employing hematite and cinnabar, and the indication of exposure of the bones to high temperatures suggest highly complex, even protracted mortuary practices of Maya elite.
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Bufotenine (5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a natural tryptamine derivative with hallucinogenic activity. In this paper, we present novel chemical and molecular conformational analyses of bufotenine based on an experimental and... more
Bufotenine (5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a natural tryptamine derivative with hallucinogenic activity. In this paper, we present novel chemical and molecular conformational analyses of bufotenine based on an experimental and theoretical approach integrating surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and density functional theory (DFT). For the first time, low concentrations of bufotenine in acetonitrile solutions were analyzed by SERS using two types of silver nanoparticle substrates synthesized via one- or two-step reduction processes. The vibrational characteristics of this molecule were verified by molecular dynamics simulations of Raman bands based on DFT. Here we demonstrate the potential of this integrated approach for the identification of bufotenine, a prominent hallucinogenic agent, establishing an innovative rapid and accurate sensing and characterization method of the identification of controlled substances at trace amounts.
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Research Interests: Art, Painting, Archaeometry, Arts, Cyprus, and 10 morePolychromy in Ancient Art, Roman Wall Painting, Architectural Polychromy, Archaeology of Cyprus, Tombs Wall Paintings, Nea Paphos, Analysis of Pigments on Ancient Artifacts, Luminescence imaging, Egyptian blue luminescence, and Ancient Cypriot painting
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The Yuzhen Palace is one of the nine palaces in the Ancient Building Complex built by order of the Yongle Emperor during the Ming dynasty. The buildings were built with dressed black bricks. As a result of the planned national South–North... more
The Yuzhen Palace is one of the nine palaces in the Ancient Building Complex built by order of the Yongle Emperor during the Ming dynasty. The buildings were built with dressed black bricks. As a result of the planned national South–North Water Diversion project, the water level in the Danjiangkou Reservoir that surrounds the Yuzhen Palace was expected to rise by approximately 15 m. To avoid submersion of the site, three gates were elevated by 15 m in 2013 and other buildings dismantled, for later reconstruction. The characterization of the construction materials has therefore become of primary importance. Here, we present results on the plasters of the Longhu Hall. The analysis of materials involved a multi-analytical approach combining optical and electron microscopy with X-ray and vibrational spectromicroscopies and thermogravimetry. The results indicated the use of two earthen plaster layers and a whitewash finish coating applied over a thin preparatory intermediate layer to improve the adherence of the finish coating to the earthen plaster. Ramie and straw fibres identified in the earthen plasters were added to reduce shrinkage and cracking during drying. The raw materials used and the application technique pointed to a well-established construction industry using traditional earthen building materials together with lime technology.
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The archaeometric study of glass provides not only an understanding about the technology and manufacture of this material, but can also shed light on aspects of ancient societies such as trade, craft specialization, and cultural... more
The archaeometric study of glass provides not only an understanding about the technology and manufacture of this material, but can also shed light on aspects of ancient societies such as trade, craft specialization, and cultural connections. The research presented will look to answer questions about glass production and trade in southeastern Europe through the analysis of glass and faience beads from the sites of Lofkënd (southwest Albania) and Methone (northern Greece). This study applies a multi-analytical approach to identify the raw materials used to make these 13th-9th c. BC vitreous artifacts and source their origins. Specifically major, minor and trace element analysis conducted with SEM-EDS and LA-ICPMS, along with radiogenic isotopic studies using SIMS, is used to determine the composition and sources of the raw materials in order to provide information on the glass manufacturing industry and interregional trade during the LBA-EIA transition in this area. These techniques are also used to analyze severely corroded beads from both Albania and Greece in order to understand the mechanisms that led to their current condition and the types of information that can be obtained from such deteriorated objects in order to determine their composition, technology and origins.
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Abstract A 2D visualization approach for ensembles of images comprising RGB and luminescence photographs is traditionally used for studying the structure and chemistry of 3D polychrome ancient objects. Here, a method is presented for... more
Abstract A 2D visualization approach for ensembles of images comprising RGB and luminescence photographs is traditionally used for studying the structure and chemistry of 3D polychrome ancient objects. Here, a method is presented for visualizing material composition of an object in 3D, providing artistic production information, conservation history, and virtual enhancement of faded, concealed and weathered decoration. The approach is based on the fusion of 2D luminescence forensic photographs with RGB images acquired using principles of structure-from-motion photogrammetry to build 3D models. Its potential is demonstrated in a study of a polychrome Hellenistic terracotta funerary head vase, in which three models of the vase were produced: (1) photorealistic; (2) visible-induced luminescence, mapping Egyptian blue and madder lake; and (3) ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence, revealing surface condition and previous conservation interventions. The workflow advances current approaches in modeling chemical signatures of luminescent pigments, extending their traditional 2D viewing platform into 3D.
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A theoretical and experimental approach was applied to investigate phase relations in a system containing calcium carbonate and different ammonium phosphate solutions. Using laboratory experiments and thermodynamic modeling, this paper... more
A theoretical and experimental approach was applied to investigate phase relations in a system containing calcium carbonate and different ammonium phosphate solutions. Using laboratory experiments and thermodynamic modeling, this paper provides an insight into the formation of stable phase assemblages in the calcium carbonate and mono‐, di‐, triammonium phosphate aqueous system. Focus is placed on the morphological and mineralogical characterization and thermodynamic calculation of calcium phosphates precipitating due to the reaction between the calcium carbonate and ammonium phosphate solutions. Correlations between the formed stable calcium phosphate phases and the ammonium phosphate precursors are provided. Advantages and limitations of various analytical and modeling techniques used in this study such as geochemical equilibrium‐based modeling, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis, are critically evaluated. Additionally, possible impacts of the am...
Research Interests: Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Hydroxyapatite, Calcium, and 14 moreArt Conservation, Ceramics (Art History), Ceramics (Archaeology), Conservation Science, Science for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Ceramics, Carbonate, Calcium Phosphates, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Phosphate, Aqueous Solution, Biomaterials Using Hydroxyapatite, and Ammonium carbonate
Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM) coupled with other non-destructive analytical methods, such as energy dispersive (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) offers new capabilities for non-invasive imaging and chemical... more
Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM) coupled with other non-destructive analytical methods, such as energy dispersive (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) offers new capabilities for non-invasive imaging and chemical characterization of archaeological materials. This article underlines the application of VPSEM-EDS-RS on bioarchaeological specimens of pre-Columbian mummies from the Tarapacá Valley in northern Chile. The aim of the scientific investigations is to identify nonanatomical features and to provide qualitative and quantitative information at molecular levels, complementing the morphological record from studies in physical anthropology, in an effort to understand mortuary practices in the Tarapacá Valley and the effects of the burial environment in the preservation of mummified human remains.
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Abstract.The materials and techniques of wall paintings decorating the Domus of Octavius Quartio, an outstanding patrician villa in ancient Pompeii, were investigated by means of a multi-analytical and non-invasive approach. Chemical and... more
Abstract.The materials and techniques of wall paintings decorating the Domus of Octavius Quartio, an outstanding patrician villa in ancient Pompeii, were investigated by means of a multi-analytical and non-invasive approach. Chemical and mineralogical characterization of pigments was obtained by the combined use of external reflection Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (ER-FTIR), sequentially shifted excitation Raman spectroscopy (SSR-RS) and portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. ER-FTIR and SSR-RS provided complementary molecular information for the characterization of both organic and inorganic pigments and helped to identify the pigments in the white, red, yellow, black, blue and pink paints. XRF spectroscopy provided elemental characterization of the inorganic pigments and assisted in the determination of pigment mixtures mainly constituting the green paints. Results pointed to the use of a characteristic Roman palette, consisting of calcite, cinnabar, red and yellow ochre, green earths, Egyptian blue and carbon black. A fresco application of the pigments was suggested for the execution of the wall paintings. The combined approach by spectroscopic techniques also recognized that wax had been applied as a consolidant or protective coating, and weathering products in the form of gypsum and calcium oxalate also occur.
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The Yuzhen Palace is one of the nine palaces in the Ancient Building Complex built by order of the Yongle Emperor during the Ming dynasty. The buildings were built with dressed black bricks. As a result of the planned national South–North... more
The Yuzhen Palace is one of the nine palaces in the Ancient Building Complex built by order of the Yongle Emperor during the Ming dynasty. The buildings were built with dressed black bricks. As a result of the planned national South–North Water Diversion project, the water level in the Danjiangkou Reservoir that surrounds the Yuzhen Palace was expected to rise by approximately 15 m. To avoid submersion of the site, three gates were elevated by 15 m in 2013 and other buildings dismantled, for later reconstruction. The characterization of the construction materials has therefore become of primary importance. Here, we present results on the plasters of the Longhu Hall. The analysis of materials involved a multi‐analytical approach combining optical and electron microscopy with X‐ray and vibrational spectromicroscopies and thermogravimetry. The results indicated the use of two earthen plaster layers and a whitewash finish coating applied over a thin preparatory intermediate layer to imp...
Research Interests: Archaeology, Geology, Geochemistry, FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and 10 moreChina, Archaeometry, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy, Lime mortars and plasters, Powder X-Ray Diffraction, Plasters, X ray diffraction, Polarized Light Microscopy, Wudang Mountain, and Fiber Analysis
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This paper focuses on the characterization of materials from fragmented pieces of an imperial lacquer plate in the Luozhuang Han tomb, which dates to the early Western Han dynasty. Various non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques... more
This paper focuses on the characterization of materials from fragmented pieces of an imperial lacquer plate in the Luozhuang Han tomb, which dates to the early Western Han dynasty. Various non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques were performed, including optical and electron microscopy, XRF, Raman spectromicroscopy, FT–IR, XRD and THM-Py–GC/MS. The lacquerware pieces consist of a five-layer structure, which includes (from the top): a red pigmented layer, two lacquer finish layers, a ground layer and a canvas/wood foundation layer. The red layer consists of ground cinnabar mixed with urushi. The lacquer finish layers are made of urushi mixed with perilla or tallow tree oil, without any pigment. The ground layer is a mixture of organic materials including urushi, tree oil and amorphous carbon (possibly burned ashes) and inorganic fillers such as quartz, albite and potassium feldspar. Urushi was also identified in the canvas/wood foundation layer. Though highly degraded, the canvas is probably made of hemp (bast fibres). The identification of high concentration of drying oil indicates an intentional addition of oil into the urushi to retard the rate of hardening and to increase gloss.
Research Interests: Ancient History, Geography, Archaeology, Geochemistry, Materials Science, and 15 moreMaterial Culture Studies, Archaeological Science, FTIR spectroscopy, Materials Characterisation, China, Archaeometry, Archaeological Chemistry, Archaeological Conservation, Asian Lacquer, Materais science and Engineering, Cinnabar, Lacquer, Lacquer Analyses, Asian Lacquer Analyses, and Bast Fibre
Cover title. Photocopy of typescript. Thesis--University of London, Courtauld Institute of Art, 1994. Includes bibliographical references.
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A set of 41 samples from Tas-Silg, Malta, has been analysed by neutron activation. It contained nine ware groups formed by visual examination covering the Late Neolithic, Bronze Age and Punic Periods (c. 3000-218 bc). Despite this... more
A set of 41 samples from Tas-Silg, Malta, has been analysed by neutron activation. It contained nine ware groups formed by visual examination covering the Late Neolithic, Bronze Age and Punic Periods (c. 3000-218 bc). Despite this diversity and long time range, seven of these ware groups, including the ‘Thermi Ware’, all have a similar chemical composition and, therefore, have been made from the same clay. This points most probably to a local origin. One group from the Punic Period, containing only Bricky Red cooking ware, is chemically separate and represents a second distinct pattern probably assignable to a local production. Five amphora sherds also from the Punic Period, and consisting of a micaceous fabric, all have different chemical characteristics and are probably imports from overseas production sites of unknown location.
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In most birds, red feather color is linked to diet and attributed to carotenoids contained in plants and fruits. In the red crown feathers of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula), a new biopigment was identified based on carminic... more
In most birds, red feather color is linked to diet and attributed to carotenoids contained in plants and fruits. In the red crown feathers of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula), a new biopigment was identified based on carminic acid, the main coloring compound of cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) and other scale insects. This has revealed a potential new class of carminic acid-based biopigments, not previously identified in feathers. In this research, red crown feathers of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet were analyzed by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) employing synthesized silver star-shaped colloids as the nanoplasmonic platform. Results indicated peaks at 450, 670, 1290-1312, 1355, 1410, 1570, 1620 cm-1 in the feather SERS spectra characteristic of carminic acid. SERS has proven to be an extremely sensitive, non-destructive technique for the identification of different feather biopigments, even at trace quantities and in the presence of other predominant coloring substances.
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... consisted of large terracotta sherds mixed with a pink mortar rich in ... small terracotta vessels [3]. From archaeological evidence in Delos, Pompeii and elsewhere ... Energy Dispersive Spectrometer; FS: Fluorescence Spectroscopy;... more
... consisted of large terracotta sherds mixed with a pink mortar rich in ... small terracotta vessels [3]. From archaeological evidence in Delos, Pompeii and elsewhere ... Energy Dispersive Spectrometer; FS: Fluorescence Spectroscopy; FTIR: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy; GC ...
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Acceso de usuarios registrados. Acceso de usuarios registrados Usuario Contraseña. ...
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Imaging spectroscopy (IS) is an important tool in the comprehensive technical analysis required of archaeological paintings. The complexity of pigment mixtures, diverse artistic practices and painting technologies, and the often-fragile... more
Imaging spectroscopy (IS) is an important tool in the comprehensive technical analysis required of archaeological paintings. The complexity of pigment mixtures, diverse artistic practices and painting technologies, and the often-fragile and weathered nature of these objects render macroscale, non-invasive chemical mapping an essential component of the analytical protocol. Furthermore, the use of pigments such as Egyptian blue and madder lake, featuring diagnostic photoluminescence emission, provides motivation to perform photoluminescence mapping on the macroscale. This work demonstrates and advances new applications of dual-mode imaging spectroscopy and data analysis approaches for ancient painting. Both reflectance (RIS) and luminescence (LIS) modes were utilized for the study of a Roman Egyptian funerary portrait from second century CE Egypt. The first derivative of the RIS image cube was analyzed and found to significantly improve materials separation, identification, and the ex...
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There is growing interest in bringing non-invasive laboratory-based analytical imaging tools to field sites to study wall paintings in order to collect molecular information on the macroscale. Analytical imaging tools, such as reflectance... more
There is growing interest in bringing non-invasive laboratory-based analytical imaging tools to field sites to study wall paintings in order to collect molecular information on the macroscale. Analytical imaging tools, such as reflectance imaging spectrometry, have provided a wealth of information about artist materials and working methods, as well as painting conditions. Currently, scientific analyses of wall paintings have been limited to point-measurement techniques such as reflectance spectroscopy (near-ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared), X-ray fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy. Macroscale data collection methods have been limited to multispectral imaging in reflectance and luminescence modes, which lacks sufficient spectral bands to allow for the mapping and identification of artist materials of interest. The development of laboratory-based reflectance and elemental imaging spectrometers and scanning systems has sparked interest in developing truly portab...
Research Interests: Computer Science, Optics, Analytical Chemistry, Remote Sensing, Archaeometry, and 11 moreMedicine, Sensors, Wall Paintings, Imaging spectroscopy, Hyperspectral Imaging, Chemical Imaging, Analysis of Pigments on Ancient Artifacts, Electrical And Electronic Engineering, Spectral Resolution, Spectrometer, and Multispectral image
En 2012, el Dr. Christian de Brer, jefe de conservacion del Museo Fowler de la Universidad de California en Los Angeles, solicito el analisis de las 107 figurillas de estilo Jaina que forman parte de sus colecciones para su... more
En 2012, el Dr. Christian de Brer, jefe de conservacion del Museo Fowler de la Universidad de California en Los Angeles, solicito el analisis de las 107 figurillas de estilo Jaina que forman parte de sus colecciones para su caracterizacion y autentificacion.
Research Interests: Humanities and Art
The data here reported are associated to a recent archaeometric investigation, whose results are accurately exposed and discussed in the following papers: - Grifa et al., A pottery workshop in Pompeii unveils new insights on the Roman... more
The data here reported are associated to a recent archaeometric investigation, whose results are accurately exposed and discussed in the following papers: - Grifa et al., A pottery workshop in Pompeii unveils new insights on the Roman ceramics crafting tradition and raw materials trade. Journal of Archaeological Science 126 (2021) 105305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2020.105305 - Grifa et al., Archaeometric data from the Via dei Sepolcri ceramic workshop in Pompeii (Southern Italy). Data in Brief, in press. This investigation was carried out on 33 pottery fragments (both fired and unfired) collected in the Via dei Sepolcri workshop in Pompeii (Italy) along with 5 clay samples, 1 volcanic sand sample and 1 red earth pigment considered to be possible geological raw materials and additional materials used in ceramic manufacturing. The present dataset is composed of supplementary tables and tabulated raw data of figures (.csv format). For further details, refer to the above mentioned papers.
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Abstract Recent excavations of the Via dei Sepolcri ceramic workshop in Pompeii provide an exceptional window into ancient Roman material culture. The remarkable ceramic objects found here, and importantly, the raw geological materials... more
Abstract Recent excavations of the Via dei Sepolcri ceramic workshop in Pompeii provide an exceptional window into ancient Roman material culture. The remarkable ceramic objects found here, and importantly, the raw geological materials used in their production, afford a unique opportunity to gather information about each aspect of the organisation of the workshop and the ceramics production cycle, including those which are normally erased by the firing process. The exceptional nature of this site provides interesting insights into the system of raw material procurement, a facet poorly explored thus far due to the lack of ancient historical sources. The study is based on the investigation of 40 samples including pottery fragments, unfired, fired and overfired sherds and their source materials by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy; in addition, Sr–Nd isotopic and paleontological analyses completed the raw material characterisation. The workshop experienced two different periods of activity starting from the beginning of 1st century CE; in a first phase they produced a variegated repertoire of Thin Walled pottery using local alluvial sediments and clays imported from Ischia island. In a second phase (probably from 62 to 63 CE to 79 CE), the workshop became larger and more specialised, the Thin Walled types drastically decreased and the artisans exclusively utilized clayey sediments from outcrops near Mt. Picentini in the Salerno province. As complementary materials, the ceramic production also utilized local volcanic sands for tempering and decorative purposes along with a presumed imported red earth pigment for decorative finishing. Firing conditions, as inferred from mineral assemblages in the pottery, were not strictly controlled in either production phase as estimated firing temperatures vary widely from approximately 800 to 1000 °C. Likewise, atmospheric conditions in the kiln, as inferred from the variable occurrence of Fe2+ and Fe3+ oxides, were not carefully controlled in either production phase. When compared with data from the larger framework of coeval regional and extra-regional pottery productions, the data obtained suggest that the existing paradigm of the Exploitable Threshold Model, which implies a maximum distance of 7–8 km between the source of raw materials and their usage in production centres, may need to be revised by at least an order of magnitude where sea routes and ports were readily available, as was the case in Pompeii and the surrounding Bay of Naples.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Geology, Geochemistry, Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, and 11 moreRoman Pottery, Ceramics (Archaeology), Provenance studies of archaeological material, Pottery, Pompeii, Raw materials, Roman Economy and Society - Pompeii, Clays, Ceramic, Provenancing of archaeological materials, and Ceramic Analysis Archaeology
This research investigates and evaluates the optical, physical, and chemical interactions between a diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) solution and seven pigments commonly encountered in archaeological and historic fresco and secco wall... more
This research investigates and evaluates the optical, physical, and chemical interactions between a diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) solution and seven pigments commonly encountered in archaeological and historic fresco and secco wall paintings and polychrome monuments. The pigments include cinnabar, French ochre, chalk, lapis lazuli, raw sienna, burnt umber, and red lead. The raw pigments were analyzed before and after the interaction with the DAP solution, and the reaction products resulting from the contact of the pigments with the DAP solution were evaluated to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of diammonium phosphate on the color, morphology, and chemical composition of the pigments. The results indicated no significant changes of the color or of the chemistry of cinnabar, French ochre, and lapis lazuli. Carbonate-containing primary and secondary (found as impurities in earth pigments) pigments, such as chalk and calcium carbonate, were transformed into cal...
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A recent scientific investigation on Hellenistic and Roman wall paintings of funerary and domestic contexts from Nea (‘New’) Paphos, located in the southwest region of Cyprus, has revealed new information on the paintings’ constituent... more
A recent scientific investigation on Hellenistic and Roman wall paintings of funerary and domestic contexts from Nea (‘New’) Paphos, located in the southwest region of Cyprus, has revealed new information on the paintings’ constituent materials, their production technology and technical style of painting. Nea Paphos, founded in the late 4th century BC, became the capital of the island during the Hellenistic period (294–58 BC) and developed into a thriving economic center that continued through the Roman period (58 BC–330 AD). A systematic, analytical study of ancient Cypriot wall paintings, excavated from the wealthy residences of Nea Paphos and the surrounding necropoleis, combining complementary non-invasive, field-deployable characterization techniques, has expanded the scope of analysis, interpretation and access of these paintings. The results from in situ analyses, combining X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), forensic imaging in reflectan...
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Macroscale multimodal chemical imaging combining hyperspectral diffuse reflectance (400-2500 nm), luminescence (400-1000 nm), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF, 2 to 25 keV) data, is uniquely equipped for noninvasive characterization of... more
Macroscale multimodal chemical imaging combining hyperspectral diffuse reflectance (400-2500 nm), luminescence (400-1000 nm), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF, 2 to 25 keV) data, is uniquely equipped for noninvasive characterization of heterogeneous complex systems such as paintings. Here we present the first application of multimodal chemical imaging to analyze the production technology of an 1,800-year-old painting and one of the oldest surviving encaustic ("burned in") paintings in the world. Co-registration of the data cubes from these three hyperspectral imaging modalities enabled the comparison of reflectance, luminescence, and XRF spectra at each pixel in the image for the entire painting. By comparing the molecular and elemental spectral signatures at each pixel, this fusion of the data allowed for a more thorough identification and mapping of the painting's constituent organic and inorganic materials, revealing key information on the selection of raw materials, pro...