Non-destructive method for the identification of ceramic production by portable X-rays Fluorescence (pXRF). A case study of amphorae manufacture in central Italy

Alongside the precise assessment of composition, the possibility to fingerprint a production was also assessed using a different method, based on the intensity ratio between selected elements. The relevant elements were chosen based on their correlation and non-correlation. Correlated elements were attributed to the raw clay used for ceramic production and non-correlated elements were attributed to the specific fabric recipe. Accordingly, some benchmarks to identify the clays and fabric used in the site of Montelabate were identified. Amphorae found at other ancient commercial sites in the area of Rome were therefore also compared with these benchmarks in order to assess their provenience.