Analysis of Minoan white pigments used on pottery from Kommos, Palaikastro, Mochlos and Knossos

In order to elementally analyze the white paint from Bronze-Age Minoan pottery, sherds were sampled from four archaeological sites located on the central to eastern parts of the island of Crete: Kommos, Palaikastro, Mochlos and Knossos. PIXE analysis was performed at the University of Delaware. Results show a higher amount of Mg in the paint on the Kommos sherds. Kommos is located on the south-central part of Crete and could have been involved in a larger southern center of pottery production. One sherd from Palaikastro also showed an increased Mg content. It may have been an import to that eastern location from the south-central area of Kommos. The Mg content in the white paint could be an indication of pottery production location and, therefore, could help in determining trade relations.