New insights on Late Bronze Age Cu-metallurgy from Coles de Samuel hoard (Central Portugal): A combined multi-analytical approach

摘要: Abstract The hoard from Coles de Samuel is one of the largest Cu-based metal collections Late Bronze Age (LBA) (13th–8th centuries BC) ever found in Central Portugal, consisting 18 artefacts which typologically display a strong regional identity. In present study, an integrated multi-analytical approach combining Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis, Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron with X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has been used to characterise both chemical microstructural point view aim unravel their elemental composition technological features. Results show that all are made binary bronze (Cu-Sn) alloys, Sn content range 8.7 ± 0.9 13.0 ± 1.0 wt%, minor elements (Pb, As Fe) never exceeding 1.1 wt% total. microstructure vast majority objects (13 out 18) shows presence equiaxial α-copper grains annealing twins slip bands suggesting that, manufacturing process, they were subjected forging plus cycles. remains as-cast constituted by dendritic structures, metals did not suffer any thermo-mechanical operation after being removed mould. Pb, Ag Au-rich globules together Cu–S unalloyed Cu-inclusions have observed as well, resulting impurities ores. typological characterisation these archaeometallurgical data consistent indigenous LBA Iberian metallurgical production supporting hypothesis regional/local use Samuel.