Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis of archeological metal artifacts from the Final Bronze Age

Abstract

Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is widely used in the study of archeological metal artifacts, heritage and art history, where the fragile nature of the objects requires the use of noninvasive techniques such as the EDXRF, which in addition, is fast and very affordable. An EDXRF analysis of copper‐based artifacts from Late Bronze Age metal hoards from Central Portugal is presented. The EDXRF measurements were carried out by using an X‐ray tube with a Mo anode and a commercial Si‐PIN detector. The data acquisition was performed by keeping small distances between the X‐ray window, the sample and the detector. Both patinated and polished areas were analyzed: the relative composition of the artifacts was inferred from the fluorescence spectra obtained. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

New insights on Late Bronze Age Cu-metallurgy from Coles de Samuel hoard (Central Portugal): A combined multi-analytical approach

“…This is in agreement with the indigenous LBA/EIA metallurgy from Central Portugal that is characterised by an iron content below 0.05 wt%, as documented in a number of hoards and habitats (Bottaini, 2013), such as Freixianda (Gutiérrez Neira et al, 2011), Vila Cova de Perrinho (Bottaini et al, 2012), Castro de Argemela (Vilaça et al, 2012a) and Baiões (Figueiredo et al, 2010;Valério et al, 2006).…”

“…With respect to typology, Coles de Samuel hoard reproduces a common pattern as regards the combination between specific kinds of objects: for instances, socketed axes and palstaves have been found in association in the hoards from Cabeço de Maria de Candal (Bottaini, 2013;Gutiérrez Neira et al, 2011;Vilaça et al, 2012b) and Casais da Pedreira (Bottaini, 2013;Bottaini et al, 2012); palstaves and sickles are known in the hoards of Travasso (Leitão and Lopes, 1985), Porto do Concelho (Jalhay, 1944;Bottaini, 2013;Bottaini et al, 2015) and Moura da Serra (Coffyn, 1985); a socketed axe was associated with bracelet-shaped objects in the Casal dos Fiéis de Deus hoard (Vasconcelos, 1919-20;Melo, 2000), etc.…”

“…In front of the detector, a He gas flow was established (about 0.2-0.3 l/min) for light elements detection and for the detection of L-and M- (Bottaini et al, 2012), Casais da Pedreira (2 objects) (Bottaini et al, 2012), Coles de Samuel (18 objects), Travasso (4 objects) (Leitão and Lopes, 1985), Moita da Ladra (10 objects) (Valério et al, in press). LBA/EIA Southern Portugal: Castro dos Ratinhos (5 objects) (Valério et al, 2010), Monte do Guedelha (2 objects), Vale de Tijolos (3 objects), Outeiro do Circo (4 objects), Salsa 3 (1 object), Cerro da Mangancha (1 object), Cabeço Redondo (4 objects), Nora Velha (1 object) (Valério et al, 2015).…”

“…Some examples can be found both in hoards and sites, such as Freixianda (average of~14 wt% Sn) (Gutiérrez Neira et al, 2011), Vila Cova de Perrinho (average of~10 wt% Sn), Casais da Pedreira (average of~10.3 wt% Sn), Moinho do Raposo (10.17 ± 0.04 wt% Sn) (Bottaini et al, 2012), Medronhal (average of~13.1 wt% Sn) (Figueiredo et al, 2013) and Moita da Ladra (average of~11.6 wt% Sn) (Valério et al, in press).…”

“…In fact, notwithstanding the caution that should be applied when comparing quantitative chemical results obtained with different analytical techniques and methodologies, the sporadic presence of Pb detected in the Coles de Samuel collection is characteristic of a number of hoards and habitats from the region (Bottaini, 2013;Bottaini et al, 2012;Figueiredo et al, 2010;Figueiredo et al, 2013;Gutiérrez Neira et al, 2011;Valério et al, 2006;Valério et al, 2007;Valério et al, 2010;Vilaça, 1997).…”