Metallurgical Characterization of a Copper-Alloy Aramaic-Inscribed Object from Tulûl Mas‘ud (Elyakhin)

An Aramaic-inscribed object made of copper-alloy was discovered in 1993 the south-western part Tulûl Mas‘ud (Moshav Elyakhin) and has recently been studied using an archaeometallurgical approach. Based on visual testing multifocal light microscopy observation, probably produced a nearby workshop, with inscription engraved sharp tool during production process. Given larger assemblage inscribed artefacts from site, this item appears not only to have used as cultic object, but also most for purpose offerings. The XRF analysis results after it sanded revealed core metal relatively pure copper tin content less than 1.0 wt. % Sn. choice produce low-tin indicates that alloy chosen based technological considerations, order facilitate plasticity fashioning into its cylindrical shape. manufacturing process involved bending while hot shaping final form by means several cycles forging annealing. Although current research bulk composition general microstructure could be observed because destructive permitted. single analysed, study allows gain further information metallurgical knowledge processes objects Persian period Levant.