THE LOOTED CAULDRON FROM THE BALKAN REGION

Abstract

The following study deals with a looted metal sheet artefact that may come from the Balkans. Our main goal is to perform preliminary technical characterization of objects with the help of four different analytical methods (macro and micro observation, neutron and X-ray photography, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy). Compared to traditional archeological methods, the use of these different techniques together allows us to more accurately characterize this complex sheet metal object. Based on our results, it appears that the technical features of the artifact (such as manufacturing techniques, decorations, restoration marks) are very similar to the metal sheet cauldrons of the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age.