Goldwork technology at the Arabian Peninsula. First data from Saruq al Hadid Iron Age site (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

We present an archaeometric study of a significative sample of the gold items found at the site using OM (Optical Microscopy) and SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy). Our provisional results suggest the existence of a workshop -the first archaeologically attested at the Arabian Peninsula- where lost wax casting and plastic deformation were usual practices, together with other goldwork techniques like polychrome alloying, filigree and granulation. Evidence of the production processes were workshop wastes and raw material, although no associated archaeological structures could be identified.