Figurines reveal insights into Bronze Age metal trade

Figurines reveal insights into Bronze Age metal trade

Bronzetti of the Uta-Abini style from Sardinia. Images not to scale. Credit: HW Nørgaard, D Berger, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328268 Scientists have used a new ‘archeometallurgical’ approach to determine the origins of metals used by the Bronze Age Nuragic culture to make Sardinia’s iconic ‘bronzetti’ figurines. Bronze is an alloy made mostly of copper, with about 12% of tin and other metals such as lead. The findings suggest that wh…

Metal in Sardinian Figurines Underscores Bronze Age Trade Networks - Archaeology Magazine

AARHUS, DENMARK—The enigmatic Nuragic civilization that flourished on the island of Sardinia during the Bronze Age is most recognized for building monumental stone towers known as nuraghi. However, they are also well-known for their small bronzetti figurines, which often depict warriors, gods, or animals. Scholars have long speculated about where the metal—mainly, the copper and tin—to create these tiny sculptures came from. According to a state…