Scientific analysis

Bartmann jugs were first made in Germany in the early-1500s and influenced the development of stoneware pottery in other countries – especially in England. The main production sites for Bartmann jugs were:  

• In Germany: Frechen, Cologne, Siegburg, Düsseldorf, Bonn-Lengsdorf, Stadtlohn-Vreden.  

• In Belgium: Raeren, Bouffioulx. 

• In England: Fulham, Woolwich.

Previous research has allowed us to tell which parts of the Rhineland stoneware was made in and compare it with the earliest stoneware from England. However, because previous studies used different techniques and ways of preparing samples, we don’t have a consistent database to work with. We are re-evaluating the existing datasets and adding new data, so we have an accurate and up-to-date source to work with. This field of study is called archaeometry.   

Scientific methods used in Archaeometry 

• Neutron activation analysis (NAA) 

• Portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (pXRF) 

• Inductively Coupled Plasma analysis (ICP)    

For our research we’re using pXRF and ICP analysis, testing jugs from collections at the LVR-LMB archive at Bonn, the Kult Westmünsterland at Stadtlohn-Vreden, the Töpfereimuseum at Raeren, the archaeological services at Köln and Düsseldorf, and the Museum of London.