Aim: Estimating physical stability as well as revealing signs of fabrication in metal artefacts via two complementary non-destructive methods, neutron-and X-ray tomography were the main goals of this study. Abstract:To aid conservation management of metal artefacts improved knowledge of the internal structure and degree of corrosion therein is highly desired. In this study, neutron-and X-ray tomography was chosen as two complementary non invasive visualization techniques to study internal structure and corrosion of five representative examples of archaeological metal artefacts from the Mapungubwe museum collection.Tomography was performed at the Neutron Radiography (SANRAD) facility of the S o u t h A f r i c a n N u c l e a r E n e r g y C o r p o r a t i o n w h e r e t h e r m a l n e u t r o n s a s w e l l a s complementary X-rays are conveniently available under one roof. Comparative studies revealed neutron tomography to be generally superior to X-ray tomography due to the enhanced penetration properties of neutrons through the metal objects. In this paper the rich capability of neutron tomography as a non-destructive visualization aid for scientific conservation purposes is introduced and supported by results achieved for the five selected real artefacts.Keywords: neutron tomography/ X-ray/ archaeological metal/ conservation/ corrosion percentage/ Mapungubwe

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