The Production of Copper–Arsenic Alloys (Arsenic Bronze) by Cosmelting: Modern Experiment, Ancient Practice

Lechtman, Heather; Klein, Sabine

doi:10.1006/jasc.1998.0324

Cited by 115 publications

(63 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Bacus 2004, Bouvet 2008, Courty & Roux 1995, Rispoli 2007), but perhaps in part due to the physical sciences background of many practitioners, anthropological approaches to archaeometallurgy are not as prevalent as they should be (though cf. Childs 1991, Killick 2004b, Lechtman 1984, Lechtman & Klein 1999, Martinón-Torres et al 2007 amongst other notable exceptions), although signifi cant efforts continue to be made to address this issue (i.e. Rehren et al 2007 and the Minds Behind the Metal session at the 2008 meeting of the Society of American Archaeologists in Vancouver).…”

Section: Killick 2004amentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, the archaeometallurgist must consider that for populations which practiced metallurgy many aspects of their technology may represent choices (e.g. Lechtman 1984, Lechtman & Klein 1999. The identifi cation of archaeometallurgical choices is by no means a simple process, nor one that is always fully accomplished.…”

Section: Style and Choice In Metallurgical Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prehistoric copper production and technological reproduction in the Khao Wong Prachan Valley of Central Thailand

Pryce

Pigott

Martinón‐Torres

et al. 2010

Archaeol Anthropol Sci

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Haeng were analysed in hand specimen, microstructurally by refl ected-light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemically by polarising energy dispersive x-ray fl uorescence spectrometry ([P]ED-XRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray fl uorescence spectrometry (SEM-EDS). Resulting analytical data were used to generate detailed technological reconstructions of copper smelting behaviour at the two sites, which were refi ned by a programme of fi eld experimentation.Results indicate a long-term improvement in the technical profi ciency of Valley metalworkers, accompanied by an increase in the human effort of copper production. This shift in local 'metallurgical ethos' is interpreted as a response to rising regional demand for copper in late prehistory.4

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Section: Killick 2004amentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Style and Choice In Metallurgical Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prehistoric copper production and technological reproduction in the Khao Wong Prachan Valley of Central Thailand

Pryce

Pigott

Martinón‐Torres

et al. 2010

Archaeol Anthropol Sci

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“…The amounts of As in the samples are also shown in Table 1. Arsenic is present in a number of coppercontaining mineral ores (Arsenopyrite, Enargite, Olivenite and Tennantite) (Lechtman, Klein 1999), and, therefore, in such cases some contamination of the copper with arsenic would be unavoidable (De Ryck et al 2005). The significant presence of arsenic in the copper-base artefacts in the chalcolithic period in the central plateau of Iran, where most of the abundant deposits of copper are not arsenic bearing, suggests that this could be an intentional process (Pigott et al 2003).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arsenical Copper Production in the Late-Chalcolithic Period, Central Plateau, Iran. Case Study: Copper-based Artefacts in Meymanatabad

Kashani¹,

Sodaei²,

Zoshk³

et al. 2013

IANSA

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“…It has been long debated whether pre-Hispanic metallurgists successfully smelted sulfarsenide ores such as arsenopyrite (FeAsS), orpiment (As 2 S 3 ) and realgar (AsS) by first roasting them to eliminate sulfur to produce these alloys and, if so, the sources of these ores (Caley 1973;Caley and Easby 1959;Lechtman 1979Lechtman , 1981Lechtman , 1991Lechtman , 1996Lechtman and Klein 1999). Caley (1973) interpreted the presence of arsenic in Sicán objects as indirect evidence that sulfide ores were being smelted.…”

Section: Sicán Copper-arsenic Alloy Production: Local Ores and Co-smementioning

confidence: 99%

The Style, Technology and Organization of Sicán Mining and Metallurgy, Northern Peru: Insights From Holistic Study

Shimada

Craig²

2013

Chungará (Arica)

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This paper explains what Shimada has termed a holistic approach to craft production and illustrates its value by discussing insights gained into the style, technology, and organization of Middle and Late Sicán (ca. AD 900-1,375) mining and copper-arsenic metallurgy. After a brief characterization of the geographical and cultural settings of pertinent research by the Sicán Archaeological Project (1978-present) and the holistic approach, we discuss specific methods and strategies for locating and dating pre-Hispanic mines. Based on our examination of eight mines in the study area that supplied copper oxides and/or arsenic-bearing ores, we offer a general characterization of Sicán mining, emphasizing the integral character of local mining and autochthonous copper-arsenic alloy (also called arsenical bronze) production at nearby smelting sites (six excavated to date). Our analyses of primary context samples of ore and smelting products and by-products recovered at smelting sites show that copper-arsenic was deliberately and locally smelted and that arsenic was derived from scorodite (oxide form of arsenopyrite) and/or weathered sulfide ores available near the surface of local mines. Additionally, we discuss insights gained into careful and sustainable charcoal fuel management and the "modular organization" of metallurgical and other productive activities.Key words: Sicán, holistic approach, copper-arsenic, Andean archaeometallurgy. (1978-presente) Over 100 years of scientific investigation into indigenous New World metallurgy that began in the late 19 th century (e.g., Bergsøe 1937Bergsøe , 1938Boman 1908;Cushing 1894;Mathewson 1915;Mead 1915;Nordenskiöld 1921) have revealed that Peru and neighboring countries distinguished themselves in terms of technological developments as well as by the quantity, diversity and cultural significance of metal products. In fact, as early as 1921, Erland Nordenskiöld (1921 recognized the cultural importance and distinct character of north coast metallurgy. Over the next decades, technical and artistic studies documented the remarkable sophistication, innovative character and versatility of what was essentially a copper and copper-alloy based metallurgy (e.g Este documento explica lo que Shimada ha denominado enfoque holístico del estudio de la producción artesanal antigua y ejemplifica su valor discutiendo perspicacias adquiridas acerca del estilo, tecnología y organización de la minería y metalurgia Sicán Medio y Tardío (ca. 900-1.375 d.C.). Luego de una caracterización de los marcos geográfico y cultural del Proyecto Arqueológico Sicán

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The Production of Copper–Arsenic Alloys (Arsenic Bronze) by Cosmelting: Modern Experiment, Ancient Practice

Cited by 115 publications

References 16 publications

Prehistoric copper production and technological reproduction in the Khao Wong Prachan Valley of Central Thailand

Prehistoric copper production and technological reproduction in the Khao Wong Prachan Valley of Central Thailand

Arsenical Copper Production in the Late-Chalcolithic Period, Central Plateau, Iran. Case Study: Copper-based Artefacts in Meymanatabad

The Style, Technology and Organization of Sicán Mining and Metallurgy, Northern Peru: Insights From Holistic Study

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