Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract In recent years, two significant historical sites, Tepe Forodgah and Sangtarashan have been excavated in Khorramabad. Bronze objects explored from both sites exhibit an interesting feature of metal production in terms of shapes and techniques used. Tepe Forodgah was excavated in 2014 and Sangtarashan was excavated during six seasons since 2003. Tepe Forodgah yielded few bronze objects but a large number of bronze objects were obtained from Sangtarashan. In this research, two bronze objects were selected from each historical site and results of the analysis were analyzed and compared concerning their chronological orders. In this research, type of alloy, manufacturing technique, elements and chemical compounds of samples were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Elemental Analysis, Metallography, Computed Tomography and X-Ray Radiography. According to the results, the alloy used in all the objects was known to be bronze and based on the microstructure of the objects, hammering and annealing used in manufacturing technique.

Abstract “Kurgans”, which have recently been explored during an archeological excavation in Iran, contain graves where Eurasian used to bury the corps of their dead people. The Kurgans in Jafarabad (in East Azerbayejan, Iran) were excavated by archeologists in 2011.According to the reports of the first phase of the excavations of Jafarabad, a total of 54 bronze objects were discovered the majority of which were ornamental objects.Most of these objects were explored from Kurgan no. 8 of this archaeological site including two bangles. In this research, SEM-EDS, AAS, X-Ray radiography, and metallography were applied to identify alloying composition and shaping techniques. Results showed that the bangles have been made from tin bronze. Based on microstructure, it can be concluded that an alternating operation has applied for shaping these objects. Radiographic images also confirmed the application of hammering techniques in the production of these objects.