archaeometric and restoration studies on a selection of copper-base artifacts from a late bronze age site of bazgir, gorgan plain, northern iran

tappeh bazgir is located 76km northeast of torang tappeh at the eastern fringes of the gorgan plain. the metal hoard was discovered in 2001 and excavated in 2010. the hoard is composed of a diverse assemblage and date back to the late bronze age / hissar iiic). we investigated six artifacts for studies using different methods such as metallographic studies, sem-eds, xrd, and some chemical analyses in order to better understand the composition, the manufacturing techniques utilized, the corrosion products, and impact of the long term burial on the stability of artifacts. the artifacts are of arsenical copper composition and have been manufactured by casting. the composition of the artifacts and the nature of their burial environment have affected the composition and structure of patina formed on the objects. the compositions of the surrounding soil, the positional arrangement of the objects, and the environmental conditions have decreased the rate of corrosion on the artifacts despite the long term burial time. these have consequently caused a rather good physical condition of the metal objects.