Characterization and provenance investigation of ceramic artifacts from pre-roman settlings neaar Pavia (Northern Italy)

In the present archaeometric investigation attention was addressed to some ceramic artifacts, mostly vases, pots and cups, recovered from the excavation of 4 tombs of pre-Roman age (Celtic) in the western part of the Province of Pavia and obtained from the Archaeological Museum of Gambolò (Pavia). In addition fragments of bricks of a Roman pit excavated in the same area were also investigated. Samples of the artifacts were subjected to instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) for the determination of Ca, Fe and a number of trace elements. Analytical data are presented and discussed in terms of precision and accuracy. Data have been statistically treated by multivariate methods and compared with the compositional database which includes soil samples from sites close to the tomb's location. Some parameters based on rare-earth elements were also obtained and compared again with the database. Results confirm the hypothesis that artifacts had been manufactured by processing local soils.