The composition and technology of copper artefacts from Jericho and some related sites
One hundred and thirty nine objects from Jericho, the Amman Airport site, and Sahab were sampled. These artefacts are weapons, tools ornaments and miscellaneous items, dating from the Bronze Age (EB, EB-MB, MB and LB). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was adopted for the analysis. Fifty artefacts were sectioned for metallographical examination., the study of different objects shows the development of the metallurgical technique in ancient Palestine - based on Jericho - during the different periods of the Bronze Age. Important metal ingots, runners and scraps indicate that secondary metallurgical processes were carried out on the tell of Jericho. The chemical composition of the artefacts illustrates the different stages of alloying during the Bronze Age: EB = Either copper or arsenical copper. EB-MB = Mainly arsenic-copper alloy, sometimes tin-copper. MB=Both alloys appear together, sometimes a mixture of high arsenic and tin is present in the same artefact. LB=The age of high tin bronze, but copper or arsenical copper appear rarely. Also, four artefacts proved to be silver, and one to be silver-plated.
Khalik, L. A. H.
Archaeology
The composition and technology of copper artefacts from Jericho and some related sites. One hundred and thirty nine objects from Jericho, the Amman Airport site, and Sahab were sampled. These artefacts are weapons, tools ornaments and miscellaneous items, dating from the Bronze Age (EB, EB-MB, MB and LB). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was adopted for the analysis. Fifty artefacts were sectioned for metallographical examination., the study of different objects shows the development of the metallurgical technique in ancient Palestine - based on Jericho - during the different periods of the Bronze Age. Important metal ingots, runners and scraps indicate that secondary metallurgical processes were carried out on the tell of Jericho. The chemical composition of the artefacts illustrates the different stages of alloying during the Bronze Age: EB = Either copper or arsenical copper. EB-MB = Mainly arsenic-copper alloy, sometimes tin-copper. MB=Both alloys appear together, sometimes a mixture of high arsenic and tin is present in the same artefact. LB=The age of high tin bronze, but copper or arsenical copper appear rarely. Also, four artefacts proved to be silver, and one to be silver-plated.
composition technology copper artefact relate site object site sample artefact weapon tool ornament miscellaneous item date bronze_age atomic_absorption spectroscopy adopt analysis fifty artefact section examination study different object show development metallurgical technique ancient palestine base different_period bronze_age important metal ingot indicate secondary metallurgical process carry tell chemical_composition artefacts illustrate different_stage alloy bronze_age either copper copper mainly copper_alloy sometimes tin copper both alloy appear together sometimes mixture high tin present artefact the age high tin bronze copper copper appear rarely also artefact prove silver silver