Spectroscopic techniques applied to the characterization of decorated potteries from Caltagirone (Sicily, Italy)

The aim of the present work is the characterization of decorated pottery samples from Caltagirone (Sicily, Italy), a renowned production centre of this kind of artwork. These fragments were found during archaeological excavations and were attributed to historical periods extremely far in time from each other (from XVIII century b.C. to XVI a.C.). Therefore, we expect that the manufacture techniques result rather different over so long time. The measurements, performed by Fourier Transform-InfraRed (FT-IR) absorbance and micro-Raman scattering, allowed us a nondestructive study of so precious artefacts. Some pigments were identified, various elements of ceramic paste and glazed layer were characterized. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.