EDXRF analysis of pigment used for the decoration of Mleiha pottery

► XRF analysis was used to study the elemental composition of five archaeological potsherds. ► Results show that the pigment used was composed from Fe, Ni and trace amounts of Cr and Mn. ► Iron oxide (87-93%), Nickel oxide (5-8%), with trace amounts (<1%) of Chromium, and Manganese. ► Results prove that they were made in Mleiha, using similar clay and pigment raw materials. ► Results suggest that the five shards were made during the Mleiha period (3rd c. BC-3rd c. AD).