EDXRF analysis of pigment used for the decoration of Mleiha pottery

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was utilized for the analysis of the elemental composition of pigment used to decorate pottery artifacts belonging to the Mleiha period (3rd c. B.C-3rd c. A.D). Five Mleiha pottery shards were analyzed using Scanning X-ray microscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis so as to determine elemental composition qualitatively in the form of element maps, and quantitatively as element concentrations. Quantitative analysis show that the pigment used is composed mainly from Iron oxide (87%-93%), Nickel oxide (5%-8%), with trace amounts (<1%) of Chromium, and Manganese. Results of this study characterize the composition of the sampled Mleiha ware, and suggest that they were manufactured at the same location, and using similar clay and pigment raw materials. The conclusions of this study strongly support the hypothesis that the five potsherds were locally manufactured in Mleiha for local consumption during the Mleiha period. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.