Archaeometric Analysis of Encrustations Adhering to Pietra Ollare Fragments from the Medieval Village of Nogara

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze a set of pietra ollare fragments that presented burnt encrustations to further understand the use of pietra ollare vessels during the Middle Ages. The fragments were obtained from Nogara (Vr) and date to the 9th–10th centuries CE. To obtain a variety of data, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and pollen analyses were performed. The SEM-EDS enabled the microscopic observation and the understanding of the chemical composition of the encrustations; the pollen analysis was performed to find possible pollen trapped in the encrustations. The pollen was scarce, but notable specimens were found. The results SEM-EDS analysis provided data possibly linked to meat preparation. Further analysis will be conducted to deepen our understanding of the use of the pietra ollare in cooking practices. These results are relevant because they match other data that have emerged from the excavations at Nogara (archeozoological and paleobotanical) and because the use of this kind of vessel remains poorly studied.

Keywords

• encrustations analysis
• soapstone
• pietra ollare
• food
• SEM-EDS
• pollen analysis