ABSTRACT
In the present study a set of common, painted and glazed ceramic were analysed using a pXRF spectrometer. Ceramic paste characteristics were utilised to identify possible trade between the cities of Évora and Mértola during the Muslim domination. Ceramic paste analysis revealed that unpainted and painted ceramic were enriched in Fe while glazed ceramics were enriched in Ca. Moreover, comparative analysis of the whole assemblage suggests that ceramics from Évora and Mértola have different Ti/Fe ratio indicating different origins and consequently different productive centres. For what concerns the decorative layers, results showed that white and red painted decorations were obtained using Ca and Fe oxides respectively. Glaze decorations were obtained with a silicon lead mixture. Oxide of tin was utilised as opacify agent. Green, light blue, black and yellow glazes were obtained using Cu, Mn+Fe and Fe oxides respectively.
