In Situ Analysis of Greek Ceramics and Iberian Amphora by XRF at the Eva Klabin House Museum

The Eva Klabin House Museum (MCEK) in Rio de Janeiro houses ancient artifacts of significant cultural value. This study employed X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) to analyze four pieces: three Greek ceramics and an Iberian amphora. Analyses were conducted in situ with a portable Bruker Tracer III device (rhodium target, 40 kV, 35 µA, 60-second acquisition time). In the Iberian amphora, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) were detected. The high Ca content suggests prolonged submersion encrustations, while the predominant Fe indicates iron-rich clay. Among the Greek ceramics, the situla contained Ca, Fe, and cobalt (Co), with Co raising concerns about potential later pictorial interventions or forgery. The Archaic Greek vase and the smaller vase showed similar compositions, dominated by Fe and Ca, suggesting the use of iron oxide pigments and possible calcite or gypsum in the clay. Trace elements such as manganese, zinc, and strontium provided additional insights into clay origin and production techniques. The results highlight the need for complementary analytical methods. These methods would help determine clay sources, pigments, and manufacturing processes more precisely, while underscoring the importance of non-destructive analysis for preserving museum collections.