The Ceramic Petrography Laboratory at Tel Aviv University is a research facility dedicated to advancing the study of ceramics and sediments in archaeology. Located within the Sonia & Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology, the lab is managed by Dr. Paula Waiman-Barak, who oversees research activities and publication efforts. The lab members explore and develop new methodological approaches to studying ancient materials, curate diverse raw material assemblages, and engage in experimental archaeology.
Analytical Approach and Data Sharing Policy
Our research emphasizes the importance of a robust ceramic dataset obtained through a large sample size. We aim to broaden our analytical scope to include geological raw materials and archaeological sediments, such as mudbricks and clay installations. This comprehensive approach will provide invaluable insights into production techniques, sourcing strategies, and broader environmental contexts.
The lab regularly collaborates with the Levantine Ceramics Project (LCP). The LCP initiated by Prof. Andrea Berlin of Boston University is an open-access, interactive website that facilitates sharing archaeological ceramics information to researchers' global community. The LCP encourages the free flow and access to information and archaeological data. As a result, members of the Ceramic Petrography Lab become ambassadors connected to a range of projects while also contributing to the availability of new and essential data.
With over 75,000 page views a year, the LCP is a growing data source dedicated to gathering thousands of high-quality photomicrographs of petrographic thin sections.
Petrography
Ceramic petrography is a well-established analytical method for determining the mineralogical composition of clay artifacts, identifying production techniques, and pinpointing the geographical provenance of materials. It offers a glimpse into the ecosystem of past potters, merchants, and consumers. Due to their low production cost and frequent breakage, ceramics have left behind a wealth of archaeological material, revealing cultural, economic, and technological choices. This material provides crucial insights into human-geographic connectivity and the social adaptation of ancient societies within changing environments.
Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy
FTIR spectroscopy rapidly evaluates and characterizes the mineralogical composition of ceramics and sediments, estimating firing or burning temperatures. This method, employed by all team members, helps reconstruct the heat intensity of ceramics and is proven effective in studying mudbricks. FTIR spectroscopy can identify minerals undetected by the petrographic microscope and offers the significant benefit of distinguishing between crystalline and non-crystalline minerals. Requiring only tens of micrograms for a sample, this technique can analyze a vast range of archaeological materials, including ceramics, sediments, pigments, and organic substances. It is particularly useful for reconstructing firing techniques and temperatures.
XRD and SEM-EDS
X-ray diffraction (XRD) excels in identifying a diverse range of crystalline minerals beyond what petrography and FTIR can discern. It traces the transitions of mineral phases during firing, complementing FTIR insights. However, its limitation in distinguishing amorphous components highlights its complementarity. Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDS) provides intricate details on the microstructure and composition of archaeological pottery, aiding in understanding its origins and technological advancements. The combined application of XRD and SEM-EDS allows for both bulk and targeted analysis, capturing nuances from paste and temper to microfossils, enriching our understanding of ancient materials.
Recommended Analytical Protocol
Geological Samples
Extensive geological surveys in the research area collect potential raw materials for ceramic production, used as references. Collected samples are dried at 50°C for 24 hours in a laboratory drying oven and fired in a laboratory furnace at various temperatures to observe mineralogical transformations from sediment to ceramic. All samples undergo petrographic and FTIR analysis, with selected samples subjected to XRD and SEM-EDS for additional observations.
Pottery and Archaeological Sediments
For a comprehensive representation of regional pottery production, samples representing various types and chronological phases, as identified in macroscopic/typological studies, will be selected. Analysis focuses on common local vessel types to characterize indigenous production and cultural trends, while suspected imports are examined to understand regional connectivity. All samples undergo petrographic and FTIR analysis, with XRD and SEM-EDS applied to specific cases for further observation.
Academic Collaborations and Pricing
Dr. Paula Waiman-Barak will sign every research output from the lab. Collaborative research is subject to topic approval and timetable availability. The price includes photographing vessels and fresh fractures, preparing slides, photographing them under a microscope, and providing a publication-ready text (report, chapter for a book, or participation in an academic journal).
The price is determined by the number of samples:
- Ceramic or sediment thin section: $115
- Infra-red sample: $80
Tests in external labs, such as XRD and SEM-EDS, are priced according to the external lab's rates.
A minimum order of 30 samples is required.
The number of samples will be determined according to the research question and budget.
Visiting Program
We invite scholars and students to participate in a month-long intensive program at our Ceramic Petrography Laboratory for a fee of $700.
This program offers hands-on training in the fundamental techniques and methodologies employed in our lab, including ceramic petrography, FTIR spectroscopy, and other advanced analytical methods. Participants will have the opportunity to work with our state-of-the-art equipment and reference collections. The cost includes all training sessions and materials required for the program. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to bring their own assemblages to study, with a limit of 20 samples for the duration of the program.
Participants should have attained the knowledge and practical skills required to study and publish archaeological ceramics or the relevant archaeological background for the required research. Learning outcomes include an appreciation of the role of ceramic analysis in archaeology and specific skills in interpreting ceramics in thin sections.
Join us to enhance your skills and gain valuable insights into the study of ancient ceramics and archaeological sediments.
Lab Resources and Facilities
- Wet lab
- Reference collections of ceramics in thin sections
- Reference collections of rock and sediments in thin sections
- Reference collections of ceramic and geological samples
- Polarizing microscopes (3) and a zoom microscope equipped with a digital camera
- Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS5 FT-IR Spectrometer
- Dino-lite
- Small furnace for firing experiments
- Small drying oven
- Ecomet® 30 Twin Grinder-Polisher
- PetroThin® Thin Sectioning System
- Low-speed saws with a diamond blade
- Pottery wheel
- Ultrasonic Sonicator Bath
