Micro‐Raman spectroscopy of decorated pottery from the Iberian archaeological site of Puente Tablas (Jaén, Spain, 7th–4th century B.C.)

In this paper, Raman spectroscopy is used for the first time to identify the pigments on decorated antique Iberian pottery. Ceramic fragments of type Real and others from the archaeological excavation in the oppidum Puente Tablas were examined. Different types of iron oxide pigments (hematite and goethite) were identified, along with amorphous carbon. In some samples, the presence of chalk or gypsum could be demonstrated. Some unattributed Raman bands are believed to be associated either with post‐burial organic deposition or with silicate materials that are present in red ochre. It was possible to relate the findings with geological data from the region and to make assumptions on a local production.