Analysis of metal artifacts from the Únětice Culture burial grounds in Prague-Nové Butovice and Vliněves. Registration and synchronization of changes in bronze raw-material utilization in the Early Bronze Age
Abstract
This paper presents a detailed analysis of the elemental compositions of raw bronze artifacts from the Early Bronze Age graves at Prague-Nové Butovice, excavated in 1985. These 29 graves contained typical findings of the Classical and Postclassical Phases of the Únětice Culture, which correspond with the Reinecke stage A1 and the Reinecke stage A2.
The results of X-ray fluorescence measurements of bronze findings show that adjusted ingots were used for production. In many cases, metal artifacts contain a high quantity of tin.
Different trace elements and total admixtures of artifacts show that the analyzed collection was originated from various raw-material sources, and not just from one copper source with an abnormal composition. The hypothesis is proposed that most of the raw-sources of ingots were alloyed along with tin.
Mutual comparisons of elemental compositions of artifacts from the other Classical and Postclassical Únětice Culture burial grounds indicate more probable local traditions of regional groups of bronze production, rather than chronological trends connected with the pre-existing production and distribution of bronze objects. As a result, a detailed chronology of bronze industries in local perspectives is now insecure.