Analyses of Some Urartian Bronzes

Abstract

Ancient Urartu is rightly celebrated for its fine bronzework, examples of which have been found at such sites as Toprak Kale, Altıntepe, Karmir Blur and Kayalidere. While a good deal has been written about the stylistic and typological implications of these bronzes, however, very little attention has been paid to metallurgical or technological considerations. Thus, it seems important to publish as soon as possible a series of analyses made some time ago but not hitherto made available. The material analysed comes from Toprak Kale, Altıntepe and Patnos, and dates between the 9th and 7th centuries B.C. The objects are either in the British Museum (BM) or in the Ankara Archaeological Museum (AAM). Drillings from the latter were obtained by Dr Arthur Steinberg of M.I.T., to whom thanks are due for generously allowing us to publish the results.