Microstructural and crystallo-chemical aspects of some figulina ceramic samples from neolithic italian sites

In this study, the results of different analyses carried out on thirteen samples of figulina pottery are presented. These samples are from four Italian Neolithic sites and are dated to the end of the 6th --beginning of the 5th millennium BC cal. On the basis of the results obtained from scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X ray spectroscopy, porosimetry, density measurements and X ray diffractometry, specific features of this ceramics have been inferred. These features can be as preliminary, even in view of the limited number of the analysed specimens, indicators to tell locally produced from imported products. Moreover, interesting data on porosity and related microstructure and phase composition emerged from the experimental results. In particular, an elevated concentration of glassy phase has been found in all samples, although in the prehistoric sites no indications or remains of any advanced pyrotechnological facility were found. The estimated firing temperatures in the 800- 900$\,^{\circ}$C range are in agreement with literature data and suggest a paramount influence of the selection and refinement of raw materials on the resulting products.