A diachronic study of Cypriot copper alloy artefacts

More than 750 copper alloy artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age site of Pyla Kokkinokremos and the Iron Age sites of Palaepaphos Skales and Salamis were analyzed using a handheld pXRF for the determination of the alloy type that was used for their production. The results indicate the abundance of tin in the artefacts of Palaepaphos Skales and a more cautious use in the artefacts from Salamis. On the other hand, the results reveal the shortage of tin and the use of scrap metal in the case of Pyla Kokkinokremos. In Palaepaphos Skales and Salamis, tin was used in some artefacts in a high percentage in order to produce objects whose colour imitates that of gold artefacts. Furthermore, the analysis has shown that lead was added deliberately into the alloys to improve their cast ability, as the specific component is not present in Cypriot copper ores. The low concentration of arsenic in a number of artefacts is interpreted as evidence for the use of recycled metal deriving from artefacts dating to previous periods. Iron and zinc are believed to be non-intentional additions to the alloys, resulting from the smelting process. The present diachronic study of Cypriot copper alloys provides significant information regarding primarily the use of tin and secondly, the presence and justification of the use of the other metallic additives, in the production of bronzes.