Phase and chemical composition analysis of pigments used in Cucuteni Neolithic painted ceramics

Two analytical methods – 241Am-based X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Diffraction (SR-XRD) – were used to investigate the elemental and mineralogical composition of pigments which decorate some Cucuteni Neolithic ceramic sherds. Local hematite and local calcite were the main components for red and white pigments, respectively. For black pigments, iron oxides (e.g. magnetite) were used. They were often mixed with manganese oxides (e.g. jacobsite), which originated from Iacobeni manganese minerals deposits on the Bistrita River. Taking into account the results of the experiments, several conclusions regarding manufacturing procedures employed, and potential trade routes during the Neolithic were drawn.