scholarly journals Multispectral Analysis of Miniature Nuragic Bronze Flasks

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1716-1724
Author(s):  
Carlo Nocco ◽  
Francesca Assunta Pisu ◽  
Daniele Chiriu ◽  
Anna Depalmas ◽  
Sergio Augusto Barcellos Lins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Alloy Composition ◽  
Copper Oxides ◽  
Early Iron Age ◽  
Multispectral Images ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Multispectral Analysis

Miniaturized bronze flasks represent a small portion of a wide metallurgical production that flourished in Sardinia (Italy) between the Final Bronze Age (FBA) and the Early Iron Age (EIA). They replicate a well-known and symbolic type of object, the pilgrims’ flask, common in all Europe and Mediterranean basin, and have but few archaeological parallels. For these reasons, their characterization can be considered important from an archaeological perspective. Three flasks, preserved at the Antiquarium Arborense museum (Oristano), were analyzed by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy, integrated by multispectral images. The samples, coming from illegal excavations, posed two problems: establishing their authenticity and investigating the alloy composition of such particular objects. All specimens presented a widespread degradation in the outer surface: XRF and Raman spectroscopy indicated the presence of copper oxides, calcium and copper carbonates deposits. The abscence of Zn, a clear marker of forgeries, was not detected by XRF. In two of the flasks, an unusual Sn content above 20%, was detected. For FBA and EIA, especially regarding southern Europe, Sn was extremely rare, and was possibly used with caution. Further results are presented herein.

Microanalytical Study of Ancient Gold Jewelry: Mediterranean Impact on the Early Iron Age Technology in Southwestern Iberia

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1061-1073
Author(s):  
Pedro Valério ◽  
Rui J.C. Silva ◽  
António M.M. Soares ◽  
M. Fátima Araújo ◽  
Lídia Baptista ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Age ◽  
Alloy Composition ◽  
Early Iron Age ◽  
Gold Alloys ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Gold Jewelry ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Southern Portugal

AbstractThe gold technology in Iberia underwent an important development during the Early Iron Age (EIA) following the arrival of new technological skills from the Mediterranean region, including the use of filigree, granulation, and brazing. This work presents the microanalytical study of EIA gold jewels (22 spherical beads and four tongue pendants) recovered from three graves in southern Portugal. The set of jewelry, showing an extraordinary stylistic resemblance, was characterized by optical microscopy, micro energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis to establish the alloy composition and production techniques. The pieces show a close technological relation, making use of artificial gold alloys with different amounts of silver (c. 40 and 25%). The decorative styles include different types of filigree (solid wires and hollow wires), while the joining techniques comprise brazing with Au-Ag-Cu solders and, probably, sintering. In spite of those technological and stylistic features, clearly pointing to a Mediterranean influence, the absence of granulation suggests an indigenous workshop where exogenous technologies/decorations were not yet fully integrated in the manufacture of such luxury items.

scholarly journals METHODS OF NATURAL SCIENCES IN THE STUDY OF ANCIENT CERAMICS (Transition Time from the Bronze Epoch to the Early Age. South Western Siberian Plain)

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-385
Author(s):  
V. I. Molodin ◽  
L. N. Mylnikova
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Northern Taiga ◽  
Southern Taiga ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Transition Time ◽  
Early Iron Age ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Thermal Methods ◽  
X Ray

The article publishes the results of studying the molding masses and the quality of firing ceramic vessels of the Linevo 1 site (transition time from the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age). The research was carried out using the methods of natural sciences: petrographic, X-ray phase and thermal. Five groups of ceramics were identified in the ceramic complex of the site. The second — Late Irmenskaya culture is a continuation development of the autochthonous — Irmenskaya. Three others: Molchanovskaya, Samodelkinskaya and with features of the early Iron Age — are imported. Within the framework of one site Linevo 1, there were recorded the existence of two traditions of making molding masses: chamotte and granitoid. The second tradition has been singled out both for the Molchanovskaya ceramic group and for the Samodelkino group but they differ in the composition of rock fragments. It was calculated that most of the collection is made up of «transitional» forms, «forms of imitation». There are no identical or closely related products in terms of morphological features in the collection. Syncretism of the complex under consideration is evidence of the complex ethno-cultural composition of the inhabitants of the ancient settlement. It can be clearly traced as a local autochthonous component that grows on the Irmenskaya culture basis and the northern taiga, coming to the forest-steppe most likely from the southern taiga of the Ob River. Obviously the fifth group of ceramics is foreign. As for the Linevo settlement complex it generally confirms the tendency of the joint existence of various ceramic traditions of the forest-steppe, steppe and taiga circle of cultures already noted for the cultures of the transitional time of the West Siberian forest-steppe with the predominance of the Irmenskaya culture — Late Irmenskaya culture component. All the results obtained are objective in nature, since they are based not on visual definitions, but on petrographic, X-ray phase, thermal methods and mathematical miscalculations.

The bronze headbands of Prehistoric Lofkënd and their Aegean and Balkan connections

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 33-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Papadopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Early Period ◽  
Early Bronze Age ◽  
Early Iron Age ◽  
Southeast Europe ◽  
Young Females ◽  
The Many ◽  
Votive Offerings

This paper begins with an overview of the bronze headbands from the prehistoric (Late Bronze to Early Iron Age) burial tumulus of Lofkënd in Albania, which were found among the richest tombs of the cemetery, all of them of young females or children. It is argued that these individuals represent a class of the special dead, those who have not attained a critical rite de passage: marriage. In their funerary attire these individuals go to the grave as brides, married to death. The significance of the Lofkënd headbands is reviewed, as is their shape and decoration, but it is their context that contributes to a better understanding of Aegean examples, including the many bronze, gold, and silver headbands found in tombs from the Early Bronze Age through the Early Iron Age, as well as those dedicated as votive offerings in sanctuaries. In addition to discussing the evidence for headbands in the Aegean and much of southeast Europe, this paper also attempts to uncover the word used in this early period in Greece for these distinctive items of personal ornament. In memory of Berit Wells.

Nuragic Settlement Dynamics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cezary Namirski
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Early Iron Age ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Settlement Dynamics ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Bronze Age

The book is a study of the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age Nuragic settlement dynamics in two selected areas of the east coast Sardinia, placing them in a wider context of Central Mediterranean prehistory. Among the main issues addressed are the relationship between settlement and ritual sites, the use of coastline, and a chronology of settlement.

Bronze Age and early Iron Age Crete

Antiquity ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (298) ◽  
pp. 858-860
Author(s):  
Susan Sherratt
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Early Iron Age

Neolithic Pits, a Bronze Age Cremation and an Early Iron Age Ring-Ditch at Newton Farm, Cambuslang, Lanarkshire

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Leonora O'Brien ◽  
Victoria Clements ◽  
Mike Roy ◽  
Neil Macnab
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Housing Development ◽  
Early Iron Age ◽  
Small Ring ◽  
Late Bronze Age ◽  
River Terraces

Fieldwork at Newton Farm, Cambuslang (NGR NS 672 610) was undertaken in advance of housing development in 2005–6. A cluster of six shallow Neolithic pits were excavated, and a collection of 157 round-based, carinated bowl sherds and a quern fragment were recovered from them. The pits produced a date range of 3700 to 3360 cal BC. Most of the pits yielded burnt material, and one of the pits showed evidence of in situ burning. The pottery may form ‘structured deposits’. A Bronze Age adult cremation placed in a Food Vessel dated to 3610±30 BP (2040–1880 cal BC) was set in a wider landscape of single and multiple cremations and inhumations on the river terraces overlooking the Clyde. A possible unurned cremation was also identified. This was cut by the course of a small ring-ditch dated to the very late Bronze Age or early Iron Age 2520±30 BP (800–530cal BC).

THE ‘SOS’ AMPHORA: AN UPDATE

2015 ◽  
Vol 110 ◽  
pp. 213-245
Author(s):  
Catherine E. Pratt
Keyword(s):  
Iron Age ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Archaic Period ◽  
Early Iron Age ◽  
New Information ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
New Distribution ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

Research conducted and published over the last 35 years has brought to light much new information concerning the so-called ‘SOS’ amphora, produced primarily in Attica and Euboea in the Archaic period. However, little focused work has been undertaken in the study of these vessels since Johnston and Jones' seminal work in 1978. This paper therefore provides a critical update on the production and distribution of SOS amphorae using the current data available. Included in this update is a discussion of recent research on Early Iron Age amphorae that may help situate the SOS amphora within a broader ceramic milieu. A new distribution of SOS amphorae also necessitates a reappraisal of some previously held ideas concerning their chronological patterns and the specific actors involved in their shipment. Taking into consideration the multiple spatial and temporal varieties of SOS amphorae, it can be shown that these vessels were relatively evenly deposited across the Mediterranean, from Iberia to the Levant, very early in the Archaic period. In combination with other factors, this widespread distribution may support the hypothesis that non-Greek seafarers were involved with transporting Athenian and Euboean SOS amphorae. Ultimately, it is hoped that a fresh look at this ceramic shape, however brief, might contribute to existing scholarly debates on cultural interactions and mobility within the Mediterranean basin during the Archaic period.

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