Mineralogy and microfossils as key drivers for the characterization of the phoenician red slip ware from Cádiz (Andalusia, Spain)

This study examined a set of Red Slip Ware (RSW) from Cánovas del Castillo and a sector of the Phoenician necropolis of San Severiano/Guardia Civil (Cádiz, Spain), dating back to the 8th – and 6th century B.C. Optical Microscopy (OM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Electron Microscopy coupled with EDS system (SEM-EDS) allowed to characterize their mineralogy, chemistry, microfossils content and firing conditions as well as to explore technological procedure and selection of raw materials. Petrographic analysis indicated the occurrence of two fabrics and a loner sample. Paleontological analysis of well-preserved microfossils revealed that benthic organisms were prevalent in the two main fabrics, while planktonic specimens were dominant in the loner. The destabilization of microfossil chambers combined with XRPD data suggested temperatures of firing in the range of 750–850 °C and the use of Ca-rich illitic clays. X-ray maps showed a Fe-enrichment in the Red Slip surface. This study showed an interesting correlation between framboidal iron oxides, monazite, microfossils and raw materials, and thus supported the use of sedimentary rocks of the bay of Cádiz, excluding the loner for which a foreign origin was suggested. Finally, the results highlighted the influence of Phoenicians in one of the most western colony, producing their ceramic marker between two centuries.