A multi-analytical approach for the identification of technological processes in ancient jewellery (original) (raw)
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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...
Two small orientalising spirals (Rome, 10th-9th century BC) common objects–precious jewels
ArchéoSciences, 2009
Two small orientalising spirals (Rome, 10 th -9 th century BC)common objects -precious jewels Deux petites nattes en spirale orientalisantes (Rome, X e -IX e siècle av. J.-C.) : objects du quotidien -bijoux précieux Abstract: 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.
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.
Microchemical Journal, 2009
Late Roman oil lamps from the archaeological site of Egnatia (Fasano, Brindisi, Italy) were characterized from physical-chemical, mineralogical and morphological points of view. Atomic Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction analyses were carried out on ceramic body and coatings with the aim of identifying the provenance of lamps, in order to arrive at a correct archaeological classification of finds and to outline their technological features. The analytical results show that the finds differ in raw materials and in production technology. The statistical multivariate treatment of compositional data of ceramic bodies groups the objects into two macro clusters and, according to a study of their different petrographic features and by a comparison with coeval pottery whose provenance is already known, suggests one group to have been imported from North Africa and the other to have been locally produced. Moreover, chemical results and in-depth archaeological analyses allow us to split the imported lamps into two subgroups, hypothesizing the first group to originate from central Tunisia and the second from the north of the same country. The analytical characterisation of finds, by different complementary techniques, has allowed us to identify the raw materials and the technological solutions used by the ancient potters from Egnatia to produce lamps. The potters made lamps which had an external appearance very similar to that of African prototypes, but which were nevertheless different as they employed the locally available materials. (A. Traini). 1 'Progetto Egnazia: dallo scavo alla valorizzazione', directed by prof. R. Cassano -Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Antichità, Università degli Studi di Bari. 0026-265X/$see front matter
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.
Analytical investigations of museum objects can provide entirely new insights into historical artifacts and ancient technologies. Museum curators and conserva-tors have long since recognized the value of interdis-ciplinary research. Collaboration with experts versed in technical and material analyses often yields highly encouraging results, uncovering new layers of information that could not be derived otherwise with a traditional museum approach. However, interdisciplinary research of historical artifacts presents serious challenges that may not seem readily apparent at first. In order to obtain optimal results, common ground must be found between the museum curator and conservator on the one hand and the scientific analysts on the other hand. The following paper examines some examples of recent research collaboration carried out on behalf of the National Museum of Slovenia, with an emphasis on metal artifacts and particularly arms and armour. Various analytical methods are discussed based on practical examples, as well as their potentials and limitations. It is hoped that the overview will help promote further interdisciplinary cooperation and possibly contribute toward establishing common standards for future analytical work on museum objects.
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
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.
Technical Examination and Material Analysis
A Companion to Ancient Near Eastern Art, 2019
This essay considers the technical examination of ancient works of art from the Near East, primarily in museum settings. The practice of studying physical aspects of these works with the aim of identifying methods of manufacture and materials, establishing authenticity, date, or cultural attribution, characterizing paths of deterioration, and developing methods of preservation, has a history reaching back well into the nineteenth century, when many of the world’s largest museums were founded. Conservators and conservation scientists with varied and overlapping expertise, in cooperation with curators, art historians, archaeologists, and other specialists, now carry out this work in museums throughout the world.