Scientific Analysis of Shang Dynasty Bronze Horned Artifact Unearthed in Yiyang, Hunan Province and Discussion on Related Issues
Received:January 20, 2019  Revised:January 23, 2019
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DOI:doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-7545.2019.05.017
KeyWord:Yiyang; Shang Dynasty; bronze horned artifact; tin bronze; highly radiogenic lead
     
AuthorInstitution
MA Jiang-bo 重庆师范大学 科技考古与文物保护技术重庆高校市级重点实验室
WU Xiao-tong 山东大学 历史文化学院
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Abstract:
      One Shang Dynasty Taotie design bronze horned artifact unearthed in Xielingang, Yiyang, Hunan Province, is one kind rare bronze in ancient times. Due to lack of archaeological information, this horned artifact was scientific analyzed by OM, SEM-EDS and solid surface thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). The results show that this artifact is casting tin bronze with tin content as high as 16.54%. Lead isotopic composition is highly radiogenic lead. Its alloy characteristics and lead isotopic composition are the same with the Yin Ruins second phase bronzes, combined with artifact design features, it should be the same period artifact. The second phase of the Yinxu bronzes generally has an obvious tin phenomenon, indicating that the bronze casting craftsman of the late Shang Dynasty reached a new height in understanding of mechanical properties of copper-tin alloy. The large-scale casting of copper-tin bronze in the late Shang Dynasty was the first peak application of tin metal resources in ancient China, reflecting improvement of ancient tin metal mining and smelting technology, which was a milestone in the history of metallurgy in China.
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