Characterisation of archaeological ceramics from Saadian Tombs (16th century) of Marrakech Morocco

The analysis of archaeological materials can provide information to protect the cultural heritage of civilizations, allowing inferences about their technology and interaction with their surrounding physical and social environments. In this context, the present paper proposes an analytical methodology to characterize samples of ancient ceramic objects (dating to 16th century) from the Saadian Tombs of Marrakech, one of the main Saadian buildings in Morocco. A multi-analytical approach based on optical and scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction was used to determine the textural, mineralogical and chemical characteristics of these materials. The obtained results allow probing into the past and attempt to re-create prehistory by obtaining information about the provenance and manufacturing proprieties of these archaeological objects. The Saadian artisans have used calcareous clay as raw material to manufacture their decorative ceramics called zellige. These materials are composed of lead glaze applied directly on a silicate shard without ceramic engobe or intermediate layer. The coloring agents are conventional, iron (Fe3+) for the yellow glaze, manganese (Mn3+) for the black glaze, copper (Cu2+) and phosphorus (P) for the green and blue glazes. The estimated firing temperature of these materials ranges between 800 and 900 °C.