Iron oxide artefacts in late prehistoric Corsica: Towards a physico-chemical characterization
Résumé
This study presents the first analytical characterisation of iron oxide-rich artefacts in late prehistoric contexts in Corsica. Artefacts gathered from three prehistoric sites from mountainous and coastal areas in South Corsica have been analysed. These iron oxide-rich artefacts typically bear use-wear traces and their chronological contexts span the Bronze and Iron Ages. This study is a first step in a more holistic investigation of artefacts bearing iron oxide-rich pigments and of processed iron oxide rocks. This geochemical investigation will enable us to better comprehend their nature, discuss their provenance and highlight a previously overlooked craft for late prehistoric societies in the western Mediterranean area.