Analisi in sezione sottile di ceramica comune proveniente da Loppio.

The thin section analysis of sixteen samples of coarse ware evidenced a rather important variability in terms of both compositional and technical features of the clays. Seven different fabrics or groups of fabric have been identified, characterised by different discriminant inclusion assemblages: 1) acidic metamorphites, limestones and microfossils; 2) acidic metamorphites and rhyolites; 3) granitoids; 4) acidic metamorphites, rhyolites and limestones; 5) oolitic limestones and fine-grained heavy minerals; 6) sparry calcite and gneisses; 7) sparry calcite. Taking into account the archaeological data as well, all the analysed samples could be related to local or regional workshops. In particular the association between metamorphic and volcanic elements is a discriminant provenance marker. Most of the fabrics (except for no. 1, characterised by a calcareous clay matrix) show features well compatible with the use of the pottery for cooking. The difference, in terms of technology and tradition in the choice of raw materials, between the fabrics with silicate temper (from alluvial sediments) and those with calcite temper (from crushed veins or pebbles carefully selected) is noteworthy