Petrographic analysis of pottery from Pyla-Kokkinokremoa: preliminary report

This archaeometrical study investigates the production area of a pot from Pyla with a distinctive nuragic typology. Four pots belongings to the local typology have been also analysed, representing the local "Paste Compositional Reference Units". The samples have been divided into two main petrographic groups: 1) characterized by an ultramafic to intermediate intrusive volcanism (4 samples: cypryot typology). This composition is compatible with the local lithologies and in particular with the Troodos Ophiolite. The differences observed between the three intrusive subgroups seem to be related to a differentiated local sourcing within such formation. 2) distinguished by an intermediate effusive volcanism (1 sample: nuragic typology) incompatible with the volcanic (generally intrusive and/or mafic) outcrops of Cyprus. It is therefore possible that such vase has been produced in Sardinia, whose western part of the Island and in particular the north west is characterized by andesitic lithologies. This appear to be the most eastern evidence of circulation of nuragic pottery (already attested for Crete). The presence of imported and imitated muragic pottery has been observed also in southern Sicily.