Ceramic replicas of archaeological artefacts in Benevento area (Italy): Petrophysical changes induced by different proportions of clays and temper

The Gran Potenza clay and the Pomici di Avellino pyroclastics, respectively the clay sediments and temper of the typical ceramic manufacture in Benevento area (Italy), were mixed in different proportion and fired at 850°, 900° and 950 °C. These experimental replicas were compared with historical ceramic products of Benevento. The similarities and/or differences between archaeological materials and replicas (in terms of amount of temper, firing temperature, pore system, etc.) have been discussed. The whole data confirm the wide utilization of the local available clayey raw material and the Pomici di Avellino, and give a new contribution on the petrophysical modifications of volcanic-rich ceramic pastes that occur in the firing temperature range comprised between 850° and 950 °C. Some peculiar features in the historical manufacturing are also reported.