No abstract

A collection of 39 metallic artefacts recovered in archaeological sites of Southern Portugal was studied by micro‐EDXRF to identify their compositions and the use of metal among ancient communities. Artefacts presented different typologies such as tools (e.g. awls, chisels and a saw) and weapons (e.g. daggers and arrowheads) mostly belonging to 2500–2000 BC. The results show copper with variable amounts of As and very low content of other impurities, such as Fe, Pb or Sb. Moreover, nearly half of the collection is composed by arsenical copper alloys, and an association was found between arsenic content and typology because the weapons group (mostly daggers) present higher values than tools (mostly awls). These results suggest some criteria in the selection of arsenic‐rich copper ores or smelting products. Finally, the compositions were compared to those of other collections from neighbouring regions and different chronology to determine metallurgical parallels. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.