Comparative science-based analyses of bronze grave goods
Liesbeth Theunissen (Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands)
L van Eijck (TU Delft - RST/Neutron and Positron Methods in Materials)
Bertil van Os (Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands)
Louis Swinkels (Valkhof Museum)
Luc Megens (Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands)
Ineke Joosten (Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands)
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Abstract
This chapter focuses on the results of technical analyses of metal objects found in Early La Tène elite graves. These are mainly thin-walled bronze objects that are susceptible to corrosion and post-depositional damage. Various techniques and measurement tools were employed. All bronze items were analysed by handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and the spherical balls were scrutinised in several ways. In total, 161 objects were investigated. All the techniques used are non-invasive; no damage was caused to the objects or object surfaces (Sect. 10.2). In this con-tribution, we focus on three main categories of bronze objects - the situlae, phalerae and spherical balls (Tab. 10.1) - as these were found in relatively large numbers, thus allowing for comparative analyses. Small groups or single items such as wheel parts, body ornaments and a bronze bowl are reviewed within the context of the totality of studied objects (Fig. 10.2). [...]