A portable PIXE system for the in situ characterisation of black and red pigments in neolithic, copper age and bronze age pottery

Abstract The results of the determination of the chromophoric elements in black and red pigments in ancient neolithic, copper age and bronze age pottery are presented. The measurements were carried out by using a recently developed portable PIXE system and were performed at the Archaeological Museum of Licata (Sicily). The results confirm the presence of Manganese in black pigments of Castelluccio style pottery and indicate, for the first time, a strong presence of manganese in copper age pottery of the Serraferlicchio style, and in neolithic pottery of the Serra d'Alto style.