Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology

Identifying the Technology of a Bronze Dagger Discovered in Espidezh Region of Bazman in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran
Vahid Pourzarghan, Hossein Sarhadi-Dadian, Samine Hosseini

Abstract
Espidezh is historical cemetery and main heritage of Baluchistan with an area of 25 hectares. It is one of the most important settlement centers of the pre-history era. Numerous bronze monuments and objects with multiple applications have been obtained from this archaeological site. One ofthe discovered artifacts is a bronze dagger belonging to the early second millennium BC. In the present study, the intended dagger is analyzed using metallographic microscopes (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and radiography. The results and data obtained from device analysis of the dagger indicated Copper-Arsenic alloy (Cu- As) which hasbeen made using casting method. The existence of Cuprite, Tenorite and Paratacamite phases indicated the variable environmental conditions which had resulted in the brittleness and flimsiness of the bronze dagger.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaa.v5n1a5