Characterization of Costa Rican Archaeological Ceramics From the Formative Period: Preliminary Electrochemical Studies

Abstract

The study of archaeological samples through electrochemical methods may render valuable information about the manufacturing technology of ancient societies in the Costa Rican territory. The combination of immobilized micro-particles of archeological samples into a glass–conducting (ITO) substrate as an electrode with a Nafion® binder, and the use of square wave voltammetry as analytical tool proved to be an advantageous method for the analysis of ceramic pieces in order to determinate the ratio Fe3+/Fe2+ in the analyzed samples. Statement of significance Acquire information regarding the manufacturing and technological development from the oldest archaeological ceramic pieces found in Costa Rica, to understand the dynamic of the groups forming the ceramic complex of Tronadora and most important to improve a modified electrode in which is possible to analyze micro-particles from archaeological samples by using electrochemical methods which gives a precedent for novel studies.