Abstract
The main aim of this paper is to report preliminary results of the archaeometallurgical study of selected samples of Old Kingdom artefacts (Fourth to Sixth Dynasty, ca. 2600-2180 BC) excavated at the Egyptian site of Abusir by the Czech Institute of Egyptology. Although the possibilities of the use of archaeometallurgical methods are limited in contemporary Egypt, some can be applied.
The samples were studied using the methods of metallography/optical microscopy and (portable) X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in the laboratory of the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology (IFAO), and the Archaeometry Department in Cairo. Thanks to the present project, the social framework of the Old Kingdom copper artefacts will be supplemented for the first time with data about the physical properties and chemical composition of the objects themselves.
While the analyses brought largely expected results of the composition of most model tools, miniature vessels and an altar made of copper with traces of arsenic, there are also some surprises including the first possible Old Kingdom arsenical copper ingot. The paper also contains a brief overview of previous analytical work on metals from Abusir started by Friedrich Rathgen, the founder of conservation science, in the early 20th century.