The ceramics of Malpas of Zacapu, Michoacán, Mexico, during the Early and Middle Postclassic periods (900–1450 AD): Micro-chemical characterization of surface paintings

摘要

Tarascan ceramic sherds from two Postclassical archaeological sites (900–1450 AD) at the Malpaís of Zacapu,Michoacán, Mexico, were investigated by combining Back-Scattered Scanning Electron Microscopy andEnergy Dispersive Spectroscopy (BSEM-EDS), μ-X-Ray Diffractometry (μ-XRD), μ-X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy(μ-XRF) and μ-Raman Spectroscopy. These sherds are famous for their forms and decorations although thecomposition of its raw materials remains so far unknown and focused only on the composition of the ceramicpaste. For the purpose of surface decoration characterization, the pigments used in slips and paintings wereidentified as hematite, magnetite, amorphous carbon, graphite and lignite. Furthermore chemical and molecularstructure determination allowed the identification of technological aspects such as the firing temperatures andatmospheres used in ceramics production.