http://hdl.handle.net/10174/29416 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:13:57 GMT 2026-06-16T21:13:57Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42193 Title: Archaeological Ceramic Fabric Attribution Through Material Characterisation—A Case-Study from Vale Pincel I (Sines, Portugal) Authors: Saraiva, Ana; Coutinho, Mathilda; Soares, Joaquina; Tavares da Silva, Carlos; Duarte, Susana; Veiga, João Pedro Abstract: Defining groups of ceramic objects from archaeological excavations is a crucial and primary practice in the study of settlements, providing information related to ceramic technology, provenance, and interactions, among others. This process begins with a macroscopic analysis of each fragment, identifying common features to define ceramic fabrics. Regularly, this procedure requires further analytical techniques to refine the attribution of each ceramic object to the corresponding fabric. The Early Neolithic site of Vale Pincel I in Sines, Portugal, dates to the second and third quarters of the sixth millennium BC. The earliest examples of ceramica impressa, described by patterned impressions on the surface (impresso pottery), in Portugal were found here. These artifacts are indicative of the Western Mediterranean Basin cycle pre-Cardial ceramic tradition. From the numerous Neolithic ceramic fragments discovered at Vale Pincel I, archaeologists identified 42 fragments, categorizing them into 2 main groups (A and B) through visual analysis, while a third group (C) remained unclassified. Group A, thick ceramic body with reddish hues and very friable surfaces; Group B, thin ceramic body with greyish to black shades and a cohesive appearance. With the aim to resolve the classification of group C ceramics, this study uses a multi-analytical methodology, combining Optical Microscopy (OM), Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (WD-XRF), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Integrating the analytical data with previously obtained archaeological information, Group C fragments were attributed to Groups A and B, demonstrating the absence of a distinct third group in Vale Pincel I, highlighting the effectiveness of analytical techniques in ceramic studies, and contributing to a deeper understanding of Neolithic ceramic technology in the Western Mediterranean Basin. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42193 2025-02-03T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42191 Title: This study applies a multi-analytical archaeometric approach to Chalcolithic ceramics from Charneca do Fratel Authors: Saraiva, Ana; Coutinho, Mathilda; Soares, Joaquina; Tavares da Silva, Carlos; Caninas, João; Veiga, João Pedro Abstract: The archaeological site of Charneca do Fratel, in Vila Velha de Ródão, Portugal, is a fortification that is radiocarbon-dated from the third millennium BCE. The archaeological fieldwork in 1987 revealed the first Chalcolithic settlement on the northern Portuguese bank of the Tagus River. Its architectonic concept is similar to that observed in southern Portugal, proving new insights into the study of the process of Chalcolithisation of western Iberia. Its location close to the Tagus River, in the vicinity of fertile soils, fishing and hunting areas, and sources of raw materials that are probably used to produce stone tools and pottery, indicates a self-sustained society in the frame of an accentuated tendency for sedentarisation. In the present work, 20 samples were submitted to an archaeometric approach to shed light on the technological aspects of Chalcolithic ceramic production techniques on the northern bank of the Tagus River. The obtained results indicate two chemically distinguishable ceramic groups within Fratel’s findings, with a high variation in paste colourations, ranging from dark greyish and bright red. Mineralogical analysis indicates that firing occurred at temperatures between 700 °C and 850 °C. The results point to a local production, with ceramic manufacturing procedures that are analogous to other Chalcolithic settlements. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42191 2025-11-03T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42123 Title: Integrated portable spectroscopy for the analysis of Roman mosaics from Marroquíes Altos, Jaén, Spain Authors: Sanchez, Alberto; Montejo, Manuel; Tujon, José; Vandenabeele, Peter; Valadas, Sara; Reis, Teresa; Reis, Teresa Abstract: This study presents an integrated archaeometric analysis of three key Roman mosaics (Tethys, Erotes, and Scrollworks) from the Marroquíes Altos site (Jaén, Spain), currently displayed at the Museum of Jaén. The aim was to enhance their historical value and define their regional features within the Upper Guadalquivir Valley. The innovative, non-destructive methodology integrated systematic photogrammetric digitization with portable spectroscopic techniques (handheld Raman and h-XRF), which was essential as the mosaics are wall-mounted. A large dataset was generated and processed using multivariate statistical analysis (PCA). Results confirmed the use of locally sourced limestone but, crucially, identified the widespread presence and selective use of ironstone (haematite) across two of the three mosaics. This unique finding strongly supports the existence of a distinctive regional practice within the Roman mosaic school of Jaén, setting the local production apart from other Roman mosaics in Europe and advancing a comprehensive understanding of the region’s material culture. Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42123 2026-01-24T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41950 Title: Dos Andaimes para o Laboratório. Características técnicas e materiais das pinturas murais de Almada Negreiros na Gare da Rocha do Conde de Óbidos Authors: Gil, Milene; Costa, Mafalda Editors: Espaço Livro Abstract: Características técnicas e materiais das pinturas murais de Almada Negreiros na Gare da Rocha do Conde de Óbidos Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41950 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z