Chemical Composition and Lead Isotope Ratios of Bronze Artifacts Excavated in Cambodia and Thailand

Abstract

The observed lead isotope ratio and chemical composition of the bronze objects in the Phum Snay site suggest that more than 90% of the bronze materials originated from southern China and the remaining materials were transported from Thailand. India was not the source for the bronze materials. Notable changes in bronze materials were evident throughout the different phases of Phum Snay ­burials. These changes were not only indicated by the variety of chemical compositions but also by the change of provenance in southern China of the copper or bronze materials.