Sardinian metallurgy produced samples of high artistic and historical value. In particular, ship models are rare and unmatched examples of the mastery reached by Sardinian metallurgists and their production process deserves an in-depth analysis of all the phases involved in the making. In this work, we examined a Sardinian boat model to obtain information about its composition, microstructure and manufacturing technique. The object is a small bronze ship model that was found near the Nuraghe Colovros, located in north-east Sardinia (Italy). It was analysed by means of neutron imaging and neutron diffraction experiments at the ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source laboratory (Harwell, UK). Neutron techniques are relatively new in the field of archaeometry, but they are a very effective tool for the study of archaeological objects: they permit to survey complete artefacts, determine compositions and structures, assess the conservation status and address questions of effective use and casting techniques. This type of data can add new and different insights to existing archaeological information, especially where sampling is not permitted. The outcome of the study reveals a peculiar approach to the manufacturing of the boat model.
Scientists, curators, historians and archaeologists are always looking for new techniques for the study of archaeological artefacts, especially if they are non-destructive. With most non-destructive investigations, it is challenging to measure beneath the surface. Among the vast board of techniques used for cultural heritage studies, it is difficult to find one able to give information about the bulk and the compositional variations, along with the depth. In addition, most other techniques have self-absorption issues (i.e., only surface sensitive) and limited sensitivity to low Z atoms. In recent years, more and more interest has been growing around large-scale facility-based techniques, thanks to the possibility of adding new and different insights to the study of material in a non-destructive way. Among them, muonic X-ray spectroscopy is a very powerful technique for material characterization. By using negative muons, scientists are able to perform elemental characterization and depth profile studies. In this work, we give an overview of the technique and review the latest applications in the field of cultural heritage.
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