Multi-technique characterization of ancient findings from Gela (Sicily, Italy)

In the present study we carried out an extensive non-destructive and micro-destructive surfaceinvestigation on ancient decorated Sicilian samples of cultural interest, using a combination of differentspectroscopic methods. In particular, the elemental composition, obtained by a handheld XRFanalyser, acted as a valuable guideline for subsequent targeted sampling actions, thus minimizing thesampling damage. Hence, some questions not answered by XRF measurements (identification of somepigments, preparation layers, etc.) were subsequently resolved using Scanning Electron Microscopycoupled with Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and Fourier Transform Infraredabsorbance spectroscopy (FT-IR). This multi-technique approach allowed us to provide usefulinformation to establish the pigments and the production technique used by the craftsmen.