Abstract
A combination of conventional analytical techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy-electron probe microanalysis (SEM-EPMA), with novel applications of neutron scattering were employed for a non-destructive study of 6th century BC Etruscan bronze plates discovered almost two centuries ago in a princely chamber tomb in Umbria, Italy. The pieces were used to richly decorate a ceremonial carriage, two war chariots and some furniture. Analytical investigations have been carried out to provide the essential information to correctly assign several fragments in order to recompose the original plates. Analytical responses from XRF and SEM-EPMA, although indicative, were strongly affected by surface alteration and contamination. Rietveld analysis of neutron diffraction profiles emerged for its powerful capability to provide extensive non-destructive, high sensitivity information on bulk alloy composition and phase quantification allowing meaningful comparison among the pieces for the reconstruction of the original plates. In addition, strain and texture analyses demonstrated the capability of the technique to achieve a non-invasive characterization of manufacturing procedures.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
E. Ciliberto, G. Spoto, Modern Analytical Methods in Art and Archaeology (Wiley Intescience, New York, 2000)
D.C. Creagh, D.A. Bradley, Radiation in Art and Archaeometry (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2000)
R. Rinaldi, G. Artioli, W. Kockelmann, A. Kirfel, S. Siano, Notiziario Neutroni e Luce di Sincrotrone 7, 30 (2002)
W. Kockelmann, A. Kirfel, S. Siano, C.D. Frost, Phys. Educ. 39, 155 (2004)
G.B. Vermiglioli, Saggio di bronzi etruschi trovati nell’agro Perugino (Perugia, 1813)
J.M. Eisenberg, Minerva 12, 14 (2001)
J.M. Eisenberg, Proc. 13th International Bronze Congress, Cambridge, Massachusetts (ed. by C.C. Mattusch, A. Brauer, S.E. Knudsen, 1996) and published in Journal of Roman Archaeology, Suppl. Series XXXIX, part 2, 44 (2000)
C. Seccaroni, P. Moioli, Prontuario per l’analisi XRF portatile applicata a superfici policrome (Nardini Ed., Florence, Italy, 2002)
M. Mantler, M. Schreiner, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 247, 635 (2001)
S. Siano, W. Kockelamnn, U. Bafile, M. Celli, M. Iozzo, M. Miccio, O. Moze, R. Pini, R. Salimbeni, M. Zoppi, Appl. Phys. A 74, S1139 (2002)
W. Kockelmann, A. Kirfel, E. Haehnel, J. Archaeol. Sci. 28, 213 (2001)
S. Siano, L. Bartoli, W. Kockelmann, M. Zoppi, M. Miccio, Physica B 350, 123 (2004)
W. Kockelmann, A. Kirfel, Physica B 350, E581 (2004)
R.A. Young, The Rietveld Method (International Union of Crystallography, Oxford University Press, 1993)
L. Robbiola, J.M. Blengino, C. Fiaud, Corros. Sci. 40, 2083 (1998)
I. Constantinides, A. Adriaens, F. Adams, Appl. Surf. Sci. 189, 90 (2002)
A.C. Larson, R.B. Von Dreele, GSAS: General Structure Analysis System Report, LAUR 86-748 (Los Alamos National Laboratories, USA, 1986)
S. Siano, L. Bartoli, M. Zoppi, W. Kockelmann, M. Daymond, J.A. Dann, M.G. Garagnani, M. Miccio, Proc. Archaeometallurgy in Europe, 24–26 Sept. 2003, Milan, Italy
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
PACS
61.12.Ld; 81.40.Ef; 81.05.Bx
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cartechini, L., Rinaldi, R., Kockelmann, W. et al. Non-destructive characterization of compositional and textural properties of Etruscan bronzes: a multi-method approach. Appl. Phys. A 83, 631–636 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-006-3538-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-006-3538-8