OM, SEM–EDX, and micro‐FTIR analysis of the Bronze Age pottery from the Băile Figa salt production site (Transylvania, Romania)

This article presents the results of analyses carried out on a lot of 11 fragments of Bronze Age ceramics discovered in the site from Băile Figa (Beclean town, Transylvania, Romania), where salt exploitation occurred. The samples were analyzed by means of optical microscopy, on the basis of which the morphology and distribution of the inclusions in the ceramic paste was established. Likewise, the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, producing microphotographs for each sample, and on the basis of the X‐ray spectra, the elemental composition in gravimetric percentages was established. Through the micro‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, on the basis of characteristic group vibrations, it was possible to ascertain the nature of the compounds from the ceramic samples. These analyses will contribute to the reconstruction of the prehistoric technologies for salt exploitation. The optical microscopy analysis highlighted the morphology and distribution of the inclusions in the ceramic paste. From the energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry analysis, chemical elements corresponding to the lithic material used and contamination in the soil were identified. Through the micro‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, the nature of the compounds in the ceramic samples was determined. By corroborating the data obtained, the nature of the lithic material, the manufacturing technology, and the firing temperature and type were established.