The ancient Demetrias figurines: new insights on pigments and decoration techniques used on Hellenistic clay figurines

Abstract

The 1995–1996 rescue excavation at the northern cemetery of Ancient Demetrias (Volos, Greece) unearthed a large number of clay figurines of the Hellenistic period (3rd - 2nd c. B.C.). The objects exhibit rich polychrome surfaces and represent well-known figurine types of women and children used as grave gifts. This paper aims to present the preliminary results of a new investigation on the study of the materials used to create the polychromy and decorate the figurines. Optical microscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (p-XRF) and ultraviolet illumination (UV) were employed. Among the pigments identified are red ochre, cinnabar, calcite, lead white, madder and copper-based blue. Of special interest is the detection of conicalchite and manganese black as pigments, as well as the identification of tin foil and the determination of its application as a decoration technique. Overall trends are presented on the application of each pigment on specific parts of the objects.

Keywords

• Demetrias
• clay figurines
• pigments
• conicalchite
• tin foil
• p-XRF