Analysis of Cretan metalwork

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the analyses by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) of metal objects from Cretan sites, carried out in the frame of a research project on Bronze Age Cretan metallurgy, sponsored by the Institute for Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP). This paper focuses on the analysis of data from objects that were excavated at sites dating to different periods: copper-based and silver finds from Livari Skiadi, Hagia Photia, and Petras dated to the Early Minoan IB period (ca. 3000–2900 BC); the finds from Gournia, a Late Minoan I settlement (ca. 1625–1450 BC) now in the collection of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum); and those from the Late Minoan I–III (ca. 1625–1200 BC) town of Mochlos, an important port of trade.