MRS, EDXRF and GC–MS analysis for research on the ritual and funerary areas of Cerro de los Vientos (Baeza, Jaén, Spain). Native and Eastern Mediterranean influences

Abstract

This paper is about the results obtained from the physico-chemical analysis of the Orientalizing (7th century BC) archaeological materials retrieved from the ritual and funerary areas of the site Cerro de los Vientos (Baeza, Jaén, Spain). The samples under study are native tradition and Phoenician ceramic vessels, and beads of several colours. The analysis used Micro Raman Spectroscopy (MRS) with portable and laboratory equipments, Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Joint use of these techniques allowed to examine the interaction between the native community of Cerro de los Vientos and the Eastern Mediterranean influence by populations of Phoenician origins. Use of MRS and EDXRF helped identify the mineral and elemental composition of the decorations of the native and Phoenician ceramic vessels, and also of the red and blue beads. Hematite, goethite, amorphous carbon and graphite were recorded in the native pottery. Hematite and manganese oxide were recorded in the Phoenician pottery. The red beads were made of carnelian, a variety of chalcedony that is not found in the Iberian Peninsula. The blue beads were made of glass paste. GC–MS contents analysis identified beeswax in most vessels, both native and Phoenician. The beeswax in native and Phoenician vessels from the area for the funerary feast and in the funerary urns laid in the graves leads to an interpretation in terms of hydromel consumption during feasts and offerings of honey in urns.