Abstract

This study deals with the archaeometric investigation of ceramic finds of an archaeological settlement, Tiszalúc, north-east Hungary. This settlement was inhabited since the Late Neolithic. The main goal of the investigations was to identify the origin (local or imported) of the clay and the non-plastic inclusions that were used as raw materials, to describe the manufacturing method (preparing of the raw material, firing) and to gain information about the processes taking place during the burial stage.

The analytical program was based on macroscopic and thin section petrography and the geochemical (X-ray fluorescence and prompt gamma activation measurements) and mineralogical (X-ray diffraction) analysis of the ceramic samples and the comparative material (natural sediment samples collected in the vicinity of the archaeological site).

Based on the archaeological observations and classifications there were clear differences between the ceramic material of the subsequent archaeological periods and the different vessel types of each period. An additional aim of the research was to get any kind of microscopic information about these differences, if it is possible.