Electrochemical Approximation to Bronze Age Chronology via Multiple Scan Voltammetry

Area of Science:

• Archaeometry
• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Bronze Age metallurgy involved complex copper and bronze object production.
• Patina composition and texture provide crucial information about an artifact's history.
• Non-destructive analytical techniques are vital for cultural heritage studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a multiple-scan voltammetry method for analyzing copper/bronze artifacts.
• To investigate the compositional and textural properties of patina layers.
• To differentiate artifacts based on provenance, manufacturing techniques, and historical periods.

Main Methods:

• Application of a multiple-scan voltammetry strategy.
• Analysis of 107 Bronze Age and later copper/bronze objects from Central Europe.
• Measurement of accumulated peak current values for cuprite and tenorite reduction signals.
• Development of a new model relating peak current to scan depth.

Main Results:

• The voltammetry method successfully characterized patina properties (compactness, crystallinity, hydration).
• Accumulated peak current values correlated with patina characteristics.
• The new model effectively discriminated between samples of different origins and manufacturing methods.
• Artifacts were successfully assigned to different Bronze Age periods.

Conclusions:

• Multiple-scan voltammetry is a powerful tool for the non-destructive analysis of copper/bronze artifacts.
• The technique provides insights into patina formation and degradation.
• This method enhances the understanding of Bronze Age technological practices and cultural interactions.