Spectroscopic techniques for the characterization of the potsherds from Tigranakert in Artsakh

Abstract

Abstract Archaeometry and archaeological science correspond and refer to the application of scientific techniques to the analysis of archaeological materials, as well as the processes involved in their manufacture [Williams 2005, Virgil de la Mencia 2008, Martinon-Torres 2015]1–3]. This paper presents study of a set of ceramic samples using stratigraphic analysis coupled with SEM/EDX technique. Ceramic materials provide information on the clay materials employed in their manufacture [Hradil et al 2018, Giannosa et al 2020]4,5], hence facilitating the assignment of their autochthonous or allochthonous character [6–8]. Analysis of the cross section provides to the stratigraphic evaluation of the ceramic body (holes, cavities, imperfections, granulometry, inclusions and color), the glaze or other superficial layers (enamels, transparency or opacity, color and saturation, defects and other): SEM/EDX technique allows obtain information on the samples (texture and microstructure, phases and minerals recognition by electron backscattered diffraction, all these analysis are carried out simply tacked a very small fragment from the surface, including glaze and ceramic body (less than a couple mm), embedded in polyester resin and grinded and polished without destruction of the specimen.