Archeometric Studies of Sphero-conical Vessels from the CC Dig of the Bolgar Settlement

Abstract

The paper addresses the study of the chemical composition of paste used in 26 fragments of sphero-conical vessels from the CC dig of the Bolgar settlement. Complex analytical studies, including optical and electron microscopy, mass spectrometry and emission spectral analysis, were carried out to identify the possible functional purpose of the vessels, as well as to identify potential raw material sources. Areas in the vicinity of the Bolgar settlement were identified, where the composition of the clay is similar to the composition of the ceramic paste. The peculiarity of “mercury — arsenic” ratio in the ceramic clay allowed to make an assumption about their original alchemical nature.