XRF and μ-tomography investigations of gold jewellery from the Middle Bronze Age from the Nerkin Naver burial mound (Armenia)

Abstract

The article summarizes complex studies on X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), μ-tomography, and elemental analysis of a unique golden artefact from burial mound No. 10 of Nerkin Naver (Armenia), which according to the results of radiocarbon analysis is a contemporary of the epoch when the masterpieces of jewellery art of the III dynasty of Ur of the Sumero-Akkadian kingdom of Southern Mesopotamia (2111–2003 BC) were created. A jewelry obtained in tis burial mound and dated back to 2133–1954 BC were investigated to clarify the design, composition and manufacturing technique. We performed comprehensively analysis of the artifact using modern methods of the natural sciences. The results showed that this jewelry is made of gold with more than 80% of purity and infilled by the gypsum. Tomographic studies allowed suggested particular way of production and visualize the structure of golden shell and infill material separately. Basing on the suggestions about artefact composition and structures, its mass was calculated. Calculated and physically measured mass are in good accordance.