The use of FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM/EDS characterization of slips and pigments to determine the provenances of archaeological ceramics: The case of Guanacaste ceramics (Costa Rica)

In this paper, the red and black pigments slips of 63 Guanacaste ceramics were analyzed by Scanning Electronic Microscopy infrared spectroscopy. All pigment layers made dilution a pure in slip layer. Red using hematite, sometime association with maghemite, mixed geomaterial. Black manganese oxide, magnetite. Methodologically speaking, we clearly showed that FT-IR analysis layer could allow fast pertinent discrimination different sites ceramic production according to their chemical compositions. Such approach easier, cheaper faster analytical answer provenance study archeological ceramics. fact, types shared similar compositions no correlation excavation site, showing are relevant trace exchanges or trades up Central Valley. Moreover, local reproduction styles central valley was noticed study. Meta-kaolinite meta-smectite, tectosilicates as quartz cristobalite, hematite feldspar notably detected layers. The Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering Principal Component Analysis spectra presence three distinct clusters great accordance actual knowledge on area. Finally, heating temperatures estimated between 670 870 °C during fabrication processes, almost significant difference due school types.