| Abstract: | A combination of different scientific techniques has been utilized to estimate the initial firing temperature and kiln atmosphere of a collection of Islamic painted sherds excavated from an archaeological site in northern Jordan. Scanning electron microscope investigation of samples refired at different temperatures proves that the pottery was fired at around 750°C in an oxidizing atmosphere. Similar results were obtained by the thermal analysis study using thermogravometric, differential thermogravemetric and differential thermal analysis and by the temperature-minerological scale analysis. The obtained results shed light on the manufacturing techniques adopted by the Islamic potter of the period. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
