LIBS analysis of twelve bronze statues displayed in the National Archaeological Museum of Crotone

Abstract

In the framework of a collaboration between the Chemical and Industrial Chemical Department of the Pisa University and the National Research Council of Pisa it was possible to analyse some archaeological finds. We choose twelve little bronzes displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Crotone, that were formerly studied. The research was performed in situ applying the LIBS technique, already used at the Museum of Reggio Calabria for the analysis of the so-called 'Porticello bronzes'. Using MODI (MObile Dual-pulse Instrument), a mobile instrument for in situ analysis, we analysed spectroscopically the twelve bronzes. The spectra obtained were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively to obtain the alloy composition of the bronzes. The aim of the analysis was to evidence the presence some elemental markers useful for classifying the bronzes according to the composition of the alloy. © Sociedad Española de Óptica.