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Abstract
There have been several references to white material found within the incised decoration on prehistoric ceramics, but no comprehensive study to evaluate this material. This project has used a combination of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet fluorescence and infrared photography to identify the material present, and assess the extent to which it is preserved in Early Bronze Age material from the National Museum of Wales. There are also indications of the use of red and black as deliberate colourants on these pots. Often prehistoric artefacts, particularly ceramic vessels and sherds, were thoroughly cleaned when excavated, but some still contain visible traces of deliberate colouring on their surfaces and within the incised and stamped decoration. It was felt that an initial study, which noted the extent and type of the colours used, would highlight the occurrence of this phenomenon, and that further investigations here, in other institutions and on newly excavated material could be carried out with a view to noting and retaining relevant evidence.