A Multi‐Analytical Approach for the Compositional Characterization and Chronological Discrimination of Benin (Nigeria) Metal Sculptures

Dados Bibliográficos

ID8354513
AutoresI Torraba (Universitat de Barcelona), Diego A Ahumada-Forigua (0000-0001-7591-1288, Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain), D A Ahumada (Universitat de Barcelona), H Bagán (0000-0002-2343-9759, Universitat de Barcelona), A Tarancón (0000-0003-2772-3762, Universitat de Barcelona), Stefan Eisenhofer (Five Continents Museum), J F García (Universitat de Barcelona, autor correspondente)
Ano2026
Data de publicação2026-03-20
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoArchaeometry (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0003-813X • E-ISSN: 1475-4754
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/arcm.70127
OpenAlexW7138979075
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas29

This study presents a multi‐analytical archaeometric approach for the compositional characterization and chronological discrimination of Benin metal sculptures in relation to the 1897 Punitive Expedition. The methodology integrates elemental composition (XRF and ICP), stable lead isotope ratios (MC‐ICP‐MS) for alloy system characterization, and residual 210 Pb activity measurements (LSC) in a sequential three‐stage protocol. Applied to 11 sculptures from a German museum, the results demonstrate progressive refinement in distinguishing pre‐ and post‐1897 productions. The approach provides a robust and reproducible basis for authenticity assessment and production chronology within provenance and restitution research

Characterization (materials science) · Chronology · German · Provenance · Punitive damages · Sculpture · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis