Reproducing ceramic artefacts
Prior scientific literature has been quite expansive in terms of raw materials and processes used in the production of ancient ceramics. However, much work remains to be done in the testing of such results through reproduction. Therefore the CERAMED project ventured to do just that using five key ceramic categories found in the Mediterranean. The work was carried out by a multidisciplinary team composed of (ethno) archaeologists, archaeometrists, materials scientists, technologists and craftsmen. In order to distinguish raw and related materials such as clays and mineral pigments, spectroscopic tools and methods were employed as were archaeological ceramic artefacts including Iznik and Majoilica pieces provided by project partners. Results and reproductions can prove useful for both archaeometry and (ethno) archaeology and may support technological and archaeological advancements in the achievement of a museum quality label. In turn this can positively affect the high quality ceramic artefact sector of the museum market.
