Scanning electron microscopy imaging of tool marks on Qin bronze weapons using silicone rubber impressions

  • Li X
  • Martinón-Torres M
  • Meeks N
  • et al.
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Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allows the detailed examination of tool and wear marks on ancient objects under high magnification. However, the SEM study of archaeological artefacts is limited by the chamber size, and by the potential difficulties of having to move objects to laboratories for analysis. This paper presents a pilot study in which dental silicone rubber (vinyl polysiloxane) was employed to obtain accurate impressions of tool marks on the surfaces of metal artefacts for SEM examination, overcoming the problems of transportation and size. Methodological protocols, potentials and limitations are discussed. The features examined were the inscriptions, filing, grinding and polishing marks, but no obvious wear traces, on the Qin bronze weapons unearthed from the pits of the Terracotta Army. The method allowed the identification of the chiselling techniques used by craftspeople to create inscriptions, as well as the use of hand filing to remove excess metal from casting seams. The evidence suggests that rotary mechanical devices were used on a large scale to grind and polish the bronze weapons during their mass production.

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APA

Li, X. J., Martinón-Torres, M., Meeks, N., & Xia, Y. (2012). Scanning electron microscopy imaging of tool marks on Qin bronze weapons using silicone rubber impressions. In N. Meeks, C. R. Cartwright, A. Meek, & A. Mongiatti (Eds.), Historical Technology, Materials and Conservation: SEM and Microanalysis (pp. 62–68). London: Archetype and The British Museum.

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