Two small orientalising spirals (Rome, 10th-9th century BC) common objects–precious jewels (original) (raw)
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A multi-analytical approach for the identification of technological processes in ancient jewellery
ArchéoSciences, 2009
The compositional and structural characterization of the constituent alloys of precious metal artefacts is the basis for understanding the technological processes used in the art of the ancient goldsmiths. This research presents a multi-analytical approach to the study of the technologies of ancient jewellery manufacturing through the use of non-traditional methods. The development of original methods, such as the application of hardware devices and software programs, allows us to overcome the application limits of traditional analysis, as in the study of Castellani's earrings, where statistical analyses were carried out using Pearson's Coefficient Correlation and Cluster Analysis to identify the correlation of elements in the soldering areas. For the Tarquinia fibula, a methodology based on Imaging Analysis has been used to measure the geometrical parameters involved in the construction of the jewel. For another study, a new experimental apparatus was set up in order to identify markers on the micro/nano scale. It consists of a scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS) integrated with XRF, an equipment developed in order to obtain a greater depth of analysis and a better integration of the compositional data. The aim of the work has been to integrate data from different analytical methodologies in order to identify technology transfer and/or production features, as well as the circulation of the goldsmith's artefacts.
2016
The compositional and structural characterization of the constituent alloys of precious metal artefacts is the basis for understanding the technological processes used in the art of the ancient goldsmiths. This research presents a multi-analytical approach to the study of the technologies of ancient jewellery manufacturing through the use of non-traditional methods. The development of original methods, such as the application of hardware devices and software programs, allows us to overcome the application limits of traditional analysis, as in the study of Castellani’s earrings, where statistical analyses were carried out using Pearson’s Coefficient Correlation and Cluster Analysis to identify the correlation of elements in the soldering areas. For the Tarquinia fibula, a methodology based on Imaging Analysis has been used to measure the geometrical parameters involved in the construction of the jewel. For another study, a new experimental apparatus was set up in order to identify ma...
Combined Use of Surface and Micro-Analytical Techniques for Archaeometallurgy
In this paper, we have analyzed several Romanian coins from early XX century. The differences between them are interpreted considering the particularities of the Romanian coinage manufacturing from that date. The unexpected changes of the alloys' composition, from one year to the next one can be explained by the Romanian specific situations. Our study clearly demonstrates that EDXRF (energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence) can be used effectively for the nondestructive numismatic analysis; optical microscopy was used for silver coins, being able to observe the presence of copper corrosion products such as cuprite and chloro-argyrite, and the effect of the degradation phenomena on the coin surface. The method can easily be used to analyze coins, indifferently their age, their composition and their state.
Metallographic approach to the investigation of metallic archaeological objects
Annali di Chimica, 2007
Metallic objects are considered among the most significant findings in Cultural Heritage and represent the 'culture of Materials' and the habits of an historical period and of a population. They also preserve traces of time: from the transformation of the ores in metal (by smelting) to the degradation from metal to oxidised compounds (by corrosion processes). Metallography, historically devoted to connect the microstructural features to production processes and to chemicalphysical-mechanical properties is a powerful and relatively easy approach to characterise metallic findings. All analytical tools and methods in the hands of a metallographer are improved through experience and practice and provide a large number of information (elemental composition, primary and secondary microstructures, surface treatments, corrosion rate, original ores traces) by the preparation of a fairly small microdestructive sample. A wise and careful use of the metallography allows the balance "object sacrifice / knowledge improvement" to lean on the right side contributing to the hard work of rebuilding humankind history. Beside a description of a research protocol some practical examples concerning archaeological findings are presented in this paper.
2013
Studies concerning European Proto-historic metallic artefacts can provide important clues about technological transfers during a period of time characterised by diverse cultural interactions. A collection of Proto-historic metallic artefacts from Medronhal (western Iberian Peninsula) composed by rings, bracelets and a fibula related to different cultural affiliations were investigated by micro-EDXRF to provide a major and a minor elemental characterisation. Results show that the Medronhal collection was manufactured in a Cu-Sn alloy (binary bronze) with similar Sn contents among the various types of artefacts and a low impurity pattern. Results of the type and quality of metal were compared to other artefact collections to infer about metallurgical parallels. Strong parallels with indigenous Late Bronze Age Iberian metallurgical productions were found.
Microanalysis for the study of materials and objects of art and archaeology
Fresenius' Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 1990
The methods of microanalysis have been central to advances in art history, archaeology and conservation. Recent developments have been applied to problems such as authenticity, preservation, dating or provenance of art objects. In this survey the analytical strategy and the applicability of microanalytical techniques to some problems which have to be solved are illustrated.
16th International Conference on “Cultural Heritage and New Technologies” Vienna, 2011
This study is devoted to investigation of origin source of jewellery and metallic items stored in the National Museum of Azerbaijan History at the National Academy of Sciences. The results of analyzes made by the XRF methods identified the chemical composition of archaeological monuments and showed that, the majority of jewellery are made from the local raw materials by Azerbaijanian jewelers.
Microanalytical Characterization of Art-Work Materials: Spatially Resolved Techniques
Microscopy Microanalysis Microstructures, 1995
2014 This study presents the application of lateral (SEM/EDX, SAM, SIMS) and vertical (SAM, XPS, SIMS) high resolution techniques on materials in art-work of cultural heritage. Emphasis will be placed on how such techniques are now indispensable in a science-based approach to the characterization of materials and the rationalization of their degradation, this in itself being essential for conservation and useful for a clearer understanding of the artistic techniques used in the past. Microsc. Microanal. Microstruct. Classification Physics Abstracts 81. 90 + c -07. 75 + h -07. 80 + h Article available at
Investigation of ancient gold objects from Artemision at Ephesus using portable µ-XRF
ArchéoSciences, 2009
During two measurement campaigns in the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul and the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk, Turkey, more than 80 ancient gold objects (e.g. appliqués, statuettes and coins) from the 8 th -6 th centuries BC were analyzed using portable XRF instruments in order to obtain information on the chemical composition and homogeneity of the artefacts discovered during excavations in the sanctuary of Artemis at Ephesus. These results and complementary studies on the manufacturing techniques employed for making these objects will contribute to our knowledge of metalworking, trade, as well as the transfer of ideas and technologies at Ephesus and in Western Asia in the Archaic period. The objects can be characterized as homogeneous alloys, mainly consisting of gold (Au), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). A high compositional variation of Au and Ag between different objects could be determined (Au between 48.7 and 99.9%, Ag between <detection limit (dl) and 50.9%, Cu between <dl and 4.4%). These results demonstrated the range of gold alloys represented within the collection and allowed a discrimination between natural and artificial gold alloys (including the identification of 'refined' gold). In some cases, objects which were closely related from a typological, stylistic and/or technological point of view were also similar in composition, differing only in the sub-percent range.