The Interpretation of lead isotopes. Case study of Bronze Age copper alloy artefacts from collection of the Egyptian Museum of Leipzig University
Abstrakt
This paper presents an archaeometallurgical study of a corpus of copper alloy artefacts currently deposited in the collection of Ägyptisches Museum - Georg Steindorff - der Universität Leipzig. Main focus is on the interpretation of lead isotopes, which is in case of ancient Egypt a complex problem.
The set of 86 artefacts (full-size vessels, full-size tools and their models, mirrors, razors and tweezers) is dated to the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC. The artefacts have been found in Early Dynastic tombs of the cemetery of Abusir; in the tomb of the last king of the Second Dynasty, Khasekhemwy, at Abydos; in a cemetery of 5th and 6th Dynasty officials at Giza, and in a C-Group and New Kingdom cemetery at Aniba in Nubia.
Lead isotope analyses were carried out using a MC-ICP-MS spectrometer. Other applied methods were focused on the production technology and chemical composition: ED-XRF, SEM/EDS and NAA.
Newly acquired analytical data from NAA and MC-ICP-MS analysis were compared with available results of trace elements composition of copper alloy artefacts and lead isotope ratios of copper and lead ores from neighbouring regions. Measured data need to be interpreted on the basis of knowledge of historical and archaeological context and the final interpretation is a result of discussion of scientists with the specialist in Egyptian history and archaeology.
The measured data are not enough, especially in the case of one of the early civilization with complex approach to gathering of sources. Discussions and combined multidisciplinary methodology in the interpretation of data results in more secure data that reflect and contribute to the contemporary state of research of history and economy of ancient Egypt.