The influence of post-burial conditions on trace element composition of ancient sherds

In provenance studies it is normally assumed that the concentrations of elements used for diagnostic discrimination are not affected by post-burial conditions. We analyzed 28 well preserved sherds, stored under wet conditions in a Roman garbage pit at Cologne. We also analyzed 79 sherds from assorted garbage pits and other sites about Cologne. These sherds included both well preserved and poorly preserved specimens of different types of wares. All of them were made available to us by Dr. R.C.A. Rottlander (Tubingen). As well, artificial leaching experiments were conducted. The results were augmented by optical and mineralogical analyses. The study showed that the variations in elemental concentrations among and within the subgroups did not correspond to changes in the preservation of the objects.