LIPS and linear correlation analysis applied to the classification of Roman pottery Terra Sigillata

Archaeological ceramics Terra Sigillata manufactured in different production centres have been studied by laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS). The aim of this work was to establish a procedure for the rapid classification of these archaeological ceramics in function of their provenance through combination of LIPS and statistical methodologies. Representative emission spectra of the Hispanic, Gaulish and African groups of pottery were selected as references. The use of linear correlation allowed one to cluster the samples by quantitative comparison of LIP spectra, leading to a reliable assignment of Terra Sigillata pieces to origin centres.