μXRF Mapping as a Powerful Technique for Investigating Metal Objects from the Archaeological Site of Ferento (Central Italy)

Abstract

This research concerns the application of micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) mapping to the investigation of a group of selected metal objects from the archaeological site of Ferento, a Roman and then medieval town in Central Italy. Specifically, attention was focused on two test pits, named IV and V, in which metal objects were found, mainly pertaining to the medieval period and never investigated before the present work from a compositional point of view. The potentiality of µXRF mapping was tested through a Bruker Tornado M4 equipped with an Rh tube, operating at 50 kV, 500 μA, and spot 25 μm obtained with polycapillary optics. Principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate curve resolution (MCR) were used for processing the X-ray fluorescence spectra. The results showed that the investigated items are characterized by different compositions in terms of chemical elements. Three little wheels are made of lead, while the fibulae are made of copper-based alloys with varying amounts of tin, zinc, and lead. Only one ring is iron-based, and the other objects, namely a spatula and an applique, are also made of copper-based alloys, but with different relative amounts of the main elements. In two objects, traces of gold were found, suggesting the precious character of these pieces. MCR analysis was demonstrated to be particularly useful to confirm the presence of trace elements, such as gold, as it could differentiate the signals related to minor elements from those due to major chemical elements.

Non-Destructive In Situ Investigation of the Study of a Medieval Copper Alloy Door in Canosa di Puglia (Southern Italy)

“…Experimental results obtained by ED-XRF analysis were elaborated with multivariate statistical analysis [29][30][31] in order to identify possible correlations and/or differences existing among the samples analysed. In particular, the Statistica version 10 software package (StatSoft ® Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA) was used, applying the method of principal component analysis (PCA).…”

Position-Sensitive Bulk and Surface Element Analysis of Decorated Porcelain Artifacts

“…Most of the PGAA data [ 18 , 19 ] reported in the literature are bulk concentrations, and few attempts were made for any spatial or surface-bulk discrimination. Further, the 2D XRF scanning methodology [ 20 , 21 ] is mostly applied to flat shreds [ 22 , 23 , 24 ], while in this work, we attempted to extend XRF scanning to non-flat objects by driving the positioner with a digital mesh geometry obtained by 3D optical scanning.…”

Yellow Pigment Powders Based on Lead and Antimony: Particle Size and Colour Hue

“…The preservation, archival, and study of cultural heritage is of the utmost importance at local, national, and international levels [ 1 ]. In the last decade, researchers in the field of imaging science have contributed to a growing set of tools for cultural heritage, thereby providing indispensable support to the above said efforts [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In this scenario, the morphological and morphometric analysis of the particles of pigments can supply a useful contribution to the knowledge and conservation of artistic objects.…”