XRF analysis without sampling of Etruscan depurata pottery for provenance classification

In order to settle the provenance of a set of ancient ceramic shards, the elemental composition data acquired are usually treated by multivariate analysis techniques. The quantitative X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is an appropriate tool if it is possible to grind ceramics and analyze a sample that is representative of the object. If we deal particularly with well-preserved objects, we are often not allowed to sample them. Moreover, moving these objects from museum could be unfeasible as well. The aim of this work is to evaluate if spot XRF analysis on integral objects is adequate to classify row clay provenance even if ceramics is not an intrinsically homogeneous material. So, we performed measurements on a set of Etruscan fine ware already classified according to the archaeological, chemical and mineralogical examination. For each sample, several measurement points in polished areas were considered for XRF analyses, allowing a correct provenance classification. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.