The XRF mapping of archaeological artefacts as the key to understanding of the past.

Abstract

The article describes the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) studies on the chemical composition of archaeological artefacts. The mapping of the concentration of selected elements has been used to recognise the way of object production and the use. The obtained data allowed to obtain the new information, which is impossible to gain by use of different methods. 'The data obtained from the chemical composition of the particular parts of the objects may be used for the interpretation of the manufacturing technology or the primal form of the objects. Additionally, the knowledge obtained from the chemical composition of the different parts of the artefacts may be essential for the selection of the protection and conservation methods. The present studies can be useful to improve knowledge about the level of former craftsmanship. These knowledge allow us to exam archaeological artefacts in a new light, and these findings can also broaden the archaeological knowledge horizons and provide good bases for further detailed studies.