Isotopic analysis of clays as a key to prehistoric pottery provenance
Public support
Provider
Czech Science Foundation
Programme
—
Call for proposals
SGA0202600006
Main participants
Česká geologická služba
Contest type
VS - Public tender
Contract ID
26-21936N
Alternative language
Project name in Czech
Isotopic analysis of clays as a key to prehistoric pottery provenance
Annotation in Czech
Raw materials have always played a key role in the development of human societies, and ceramics remain one of the most durable and well-studied archaeological materials. However, determining their provenance is challenging due to the geochemical variability of clays and post-depositional alterations. Radiogenic isotopes of strontium (Sr) and neodymium (Nd) offer strong potential as reliable geochemical indicators. Preliminary results show that ceramic samples behave like silicate rocks in laboratory procedures, and their isotopic composition remains stable even after firing. Comparing ceramics with natural clays from different geological regions will help refine provenance methods and deepen our understanding of prehistoric mobility, resource exchange, and cultural connections. The project builds on the modern analytical facilities and geochemical databases of the Czech Geological Survey.
Scientific branches
R&D category
ZV - Basic research
OECD FORD - main branch
10505 - Geology
OECD FORD - secondary branch
10504 - Mineralogy
OECD FORD - another secondary branch
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CEP - equivalent branches <br>(according to the <a href="http://www.vyzkum.cz/storage/att/E6EF7938F0E854BAE520AC119FB22E8D/Prevodnik_oboru_Frascati.pdf">converter</a>)
DB - Geology and mineralogy
Solution timeline
Realization period - beginning
Jan 1, 2026
Realization period - end
Dec 31, 2029
Project status
Z - Beginning multi-year project
Latest support payment
—
Data delivery to CEP
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data delivery code
CEP26-GA0-GY-R
Data delivery date
Apr 29, 2026
Finance
Total approved costs
3,495 thou. CZK
Public financial support
3,495 thou. CZK
Other public sources
0 thou. CZK
Non public and foreign sources
0 thou. CZK