Testing Composition by pXRF Analysis against Ceramic Shape, Style and Stamp: A Case Study from Samian Found on Hadrian’s Wall

Campbell, L. and Jones, R. (2021) Testing Composition by pXRF Analysis against Ceramic Shape, Style and Stamp: A Case Study from Samian Found on Hadrian’s Wall. In: Hegewisch, M., Daszkiewicz, M. and Schneider, G. (eds.) Using pXRF for the Analysis of Ancient Pottery: An Expert Workshop in Berlin 2014. Series: Berlin Studies of the Ancient World (75). Edition Topoi: Berlin, pp. 63-90. ISBN 9783981968590 (doi: 10.17171/3-75)

Abstract

Attributing a source to Roman samian (or Terra Sigillata) pottery has generally been accomplished on the basis of style, decoration, and potters’ stamps. However, chemical composition can also play an important role. Our investigation concerns the application of pXRF analysis to situations where sampling for destructive analysis is not possible. This paper reports the results for typologically well-characterized samian, including many stamped sherds, from South Shields fort on Hadrian’s Wall. The encouraging results showed that examples of samian ascribed to a particular production center had a uniform, recognizable composition and that comparison with published WD-XRF data gave a provenance assignment that was in agreement with expectations.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jones, Dr Richard and Campbell, Dr Louisa
• Authors: Campbell, L., and Jones, R.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities; College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
• Publisher: Edition Topoi
• ISBN: 9783981968590
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Edition Topoi
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License