Comparative PGAA and LA-ICP-MS analyses of Late Bronze Age weapons and armour

Abstract

The paper presents the results of elemental composition analyses conducted on Late Bronze Age weapons, armour, and sheet metal objects from Transdanubia (western Hungary). This series of unique bronze objects has been analysed using two different techniques: the bulk, non-invasive Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA), and the invasive Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Their combined results reveal correlations with previously found and measured artefacts. A similar amount of Sn was observed in typologically similar finds. The deliberate use of Sb and Pb is also noted in some of the finds dated between the Ha A and Ha B periods. These elements appear in alloying proportions in spearheads from Budakeszi and Ság Hill, dated to the Ha B1 and Ha B2 periods.