Analyses of Mineral Composition of Potsherds from Iron
Smelting Site in Ukehe and its Implications for Archaeological

Investigation
1*Daniel Kenechukwu Chidiogo 1

Ibeanu Anselm Maduabuchi and

1Eze-Uzomaka Pamela

1Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria,

Nsukka

*
[email protected]

Analyses and classification of pots/potsherds from archaeological
excavations in most cases have been limited to the physical attributes
possessed by the pottery wares, such as decorative motifs and pottery
forms which further informs the functions of the pottery. Although
these criteria played significant role in archaeological interpretation,
there is limited research on the use of scientific techniques to interpret
the mineral components of potsherds, especially within the Nigerian
context. Therefore, in this research, we conducted fieldwork and did
excavation (which lasted for 3months) in Ukehe town of Igbo-Etiti
Local Government Area of Enugu State, and collected iron samples
and potsherds for analysis. We applied scientific techniques – X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD) and Scanned Electron Microscopy (SEM) – to
analyse the mineral composition of the potsherds and further broaden
the scope of our interpretation to highlight the sources of raw materials
and trade relationships between/within human societies (Ukehe and
neighbouring communities). Drawing from our results, we conclude
that the use of scientific technique is vital in archaeological
interpretation as it has the potential to expose more information about
the material remains discovered in different parts of South-eastern
Nigeria and their composition.
Keywords: Potsherd, X-Ray Diffraction, Micrograph, Ukehe, iron
smelting