X-RAY DIFFRACTION AND X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS OF POTTERY SHARDS FROM NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN SOUTH REGION OF SISTAN, IRAN

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine whether pottery shards from new archaeological survey in south re- gion of Sistan are locally made or imported. Many artefacts especially pottery shards have been found dur- ing the archaeological survey. These pottery shards are variable in color; from buff, grey, black, and red. The analytical techniques involved X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), that were applied to determine the major and trace elements and also the mineral content of the pottery shards. The results show that most of the pottery shards taken from archaeological survey in Sistan are locally made. Two of the sam- ples from Islamic Period however shows a different content of chemical composition compared to other shards suggesting a different that Sistan origin. A prehistoric shard also shows a different in chemical com- position and not originated from Sistan area. The analysis of pottery shards indicate that since prehistoric period, there has been a local production and trade activity in Sintan that continues until the Islamic Period. Result of the analysis also shows that local community at Sistan since prehistoric period are very skilful and keep a tradition in pottery making until Islamic Period.