The paper presents the results of a study on Daunian ceramics, which were widespread in Apulia from the 7th to the 4th century B.C.E. with the main objective of identifying the raw materials and manufacturing techniques used by the Daunian population before the Greek influence. The ceramic bodies and surfaces were analyzed using a multi-technique approach that employed non-destructive or micro-destructive analytical methods -LA-ICP-MS, Raman spectroscopy, PXRD, SEM-EDS-. The results suggest the existence of local production at both sites—Canne della Battaglia and Ordona—which are considered among the most important centers for Daunian ceramic manufacturing. Moreover, the compositional homogeneity observed within each site across different chronological phases—Protogeometric, Geometric, and Subgeometric—indicates a remarkable consistency in raw material procurement strategies over several centuries. The analysis of surface treatments and pigments indicates a sophisticated use of local raw materials, such as calcium sulfate–based compounds or kaolinite for surface whitening. Red decorations were made with local terre rosse rich in hematite, while iron–manganese oxide mixtures produced dark brown pigments, with charcoal added to obtain black tones. All materials were applied before vessel firing. Overall, the results indicate that potters in northern Apulia from at least the Archaic period (7th century BCE) had advanced ceramic knowledge and made informed choices in raw materials and production techniques, pointing to a mature and well-organized ceramic industry.
Characterization of Daunian geometric ceramics: Multi-technique analysis and historical implications
Claudia Biscotti;Chiara Taccogna;Lorena Carla Giannossa;Annarosa Mangone
2026-01-01
Abstract
The paper presents the results of a study on Daunian ceramics, which were widespread in Apulia from the 7th to the 4th century B.C.E. with the main objective of identifying the raw materials and manufacturing techniques used by the Daunian population before the Greek influence. The ceramic bodies and surfaces were analyzed using a multi-technique approach that employed non-destructive or micro-destructive analytical methods -LA-ICP-MS, Raman spectroscopy, PXRD, SEM-EDS-. The results suggest the existence of local production at both sites—Canne della Battaglia and Ordona—which are considered among the most important centers for Daunian ceramic manufacturing. Moreover, the compositional homogeneity observed within each site across different chronological phases—Protogeometric, Geometric, and Subgeometric—indicates a remarkable consistency in raw material procurement strategies over several centuries. The analysis of surface treatments and pigments indicates a sophisticated use of local raw materials, such as calcium sulfate–based compounds or kaolinite for surface whitening. Red decorations were made with local terre rosse rich in hematite, while iron–manganese oxide mixtures produced dark brown pigments, with charcoal added to obtain black tones. All materials were applied before vessel firing. Overall, the results indicate that potters in northern Apulia from at least the Archaic period (7th century BCE) had advanced ceramic knowledge and made informed choices in raw materials and production techniques, pointing to a mature and well-organized ceramic industry.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
