10.6092/issn.1973-9494/1402
application/pdf
1973-9494
1402
en
Chiara Matteucci
Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects coming from the Isiao Excavations at the site of Barikot (Swat, Pakistan)
Text.Serial.Journal
https://conservation-science.unibo.it/
8
Articles
2009-04-17
2008-04-17
2015-11-02
111-146
CSCH
Chiara Matteucci
2008
10.6092/issn.1973-9494/1402
111
1973-9494
en
146
Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects coming from the Isiao Excavations at the site of Barikot (Swat, Pakistan)
https://conservation-science.unibo.it/article/download/1402/771
8
T
    ECHNICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION ON SOME
    METALLIC OBJECTS COMING FROM THE ISIAO EXCAVATIONS
    AT THE SITE OF BARIKOT (SWAT, PAKISTAN)

Pierfrancesco Callieri, Salvatore Lorusso, Lucio Colliva, Chiara Matteucci
Dipartimento di Storie e Metodi per la Conservazione dei Beni Culturali
Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna (sede di Ravenna)




1. Introduction

    The aim of this text is to present the technical and diagnostic analyses made on some
metallic samples found in Barikot (Bir-kot-ghwandai), an archaeological site which is long
the course of the Swat river in the North-Western Frontier Province in Pakistan (fig. 1).
These enquiries, whose main aim was to collect information about the metallurgic indus-
try and the composition of the copper alloy used, were carried out thanks to the cooper-
ation between the Missione Archeologica Italiana dell’IsIAO in Pakistan – MAIP (IsIAO
Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan), directed by P. Callieri, and the Laboratorio




                                                                                               Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage, 8/2008




 Figure 1. Geographical setting of the Swat Valley (image from Google Earth).

                                                                                             111
                                                                                          Diagnostico del Dipartimento di Storie e Metodi per la Conservazione dei Beni Culturali,
                                                                                          Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, sede di Ravenna, directed by S. Lorusso.
                                                                                          The intention of the authors is to make this research only be the first step for a more
                                                                                          detailed study on the metallic objects coming from the Barikot site. The achieved results
                                                                                          and the hypothesis made here must be considered as preliminary, not only since the
                                                                                          excavations of the MAIP are still being carried out, but also because the quantity of the
                                                                                          analysed samples unfortunately is limited.

                                                                                          2. The Swat Valley

                                                                                             The Swat, which is known as Uddiyana in the Sanskrit sources, is a valley in the
                                                                                          mountain area to the North of the Peshawar plain and at the foot of the mountain chain
                                                                                          linking the Hindu Kush and the Karakorum.
                                                                                                                                                          The name Swat identifies
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                                                                                      the main valley of the high
                                                                                                                                                      course of the homonymous
                                                                                                                                                      river, which is 200 km long
                                                                                                                                                      from the source to the
                                                                                                                                                      gorges from which the river
                                                                                                                                                      goes down to the plain, and
                                                                                                                                                      the lateral valleys of its tribu-
                                                                                                                                                      taries (fig. 2).
                                                                                                                                                          The enviable position of
                                                                                                                                                      the valley, which is a passing
                                                                                                                                                      point between the Gandharic
                                                                                                                                                      plain and the mountain val-
                                                                                                                                                      leys going to Central Asia,
                                                                                                                                                      allowed the region to flourish
                                                                                                                                                      and become a centre of
                                                                                                                                                      blooming trades but it also
                                                                                                                                                      made it a privileged goal of
                                                                                                                                                      the many conquerors which
                                                                                                                                                      followed one another during
                                                                                                                                                      the centuries.

                                                                                          Figure 2. The Swat Valley, view form Barikot Hill (photo        Alexander the Great con-
                                                                                          L. Colliva).                                                quered the region in 327 BC,

                                                    112
but through this valley also passed the Indo-Greek kings, the Saka and Parthian popula-
tions, the Ku®†∂a, the Sasanians, the Ephthtalites and the Muslim Ghaznavids during the
11th century [1].
   The richness of this valley is likely to be one of the factors allowing, as from the first cen-
tury BC, the extraordinary development of Buddhism and the building of the many monas-
teries which made it famous and it also made it become later on a fundamental stage of the
travels of the Chinese pilgrims looking for sacred texts (Faxian during the 5th century AD,
Songyun during the 6th century, Xuanzang during the 7th century, Huizhao during the 8th cen-
tury). Between the beginning of the 6th and the beginning of the 7th century AD the region
seemed to be struck by a heavy economic crisis; nevertheless, despite this decadence, it
remained an important transit place not only for goods but also for ideas [2].
   During the 8th century, Padmasambhava, one of the fathers of Tibetan Buddhism, left from
this region and it is following backwards his path that Giuseppe Tucci in 1955 arrived in the
Swat valley.
   The archaeological research in the
valley had started in 1926 with a first
visit by Aurel Stein, who took advance
of the fact that the government of the
Wali Miangul Badshah Saheb created
a unitary state, by reconciling and uni-
fying the Yusufzai never crushed by
the British Empire [3]. In 1938 another
recognition campaign, much more
superficial, directed by P. Barger and
E. Wright for the Archaeological Survey                                                                Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
of India, followed the Stein expedition.
In 1955 Giuseppe Tucci, president of
the IsMEO, directed a fundamental
archaeological survey thanks to the
support of the Wali of the Swat. The fol-
lowing year the activity of the IsMEO
(now IsIAO) Archaeological Mission in
Pakistan started and which Giuseppe         Figure 3. F.A. Khan (Director General, Dept. of
                                            Archaeology & Museums, Govt. of Pakistan), G.
Tucci entrusted to the lead of              Tucci, D. Faccenna, Villa d’Este (Tivoli, Italy), c.
Domenico Faccenna (fig. 3).                 1962 (photo IsIAO).

                                                                                                     113
                                                                                              During these last years the mission consecrated many of its energies to the study of
                                                                                          the pre-Islamic settlements and, in particular, to the extensive excavation of the Barikot
                                                                                          (Bir-kot-ghwandai) site.

                                                                                          3. The Barikot Site

                                                                                              After the visit of Tucci, the Barikot site was the subject of research by the MAIP as
                                                                                          from 1978, when G. Stacul, the person in charge of the prehistoric sector, started to
                                                                                          investigate on the plain area in the South of the hill.
                                                                                              The studies carried out by Stacul gave proof of human presence as from the 2nd mil-
                                                                                          lennium BC [4-5]. This date is confirmed also by the excavations made on the top of the
                                                                                          hill by L.M. Olivieri [6].
                                                                                              Nevertheless, the excavations made by Stacul brought to light also important archi-
                                                                                          tectonic remains of a big historic settlement which is the subject of a series of excava-
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                          tions directed by P. Callieri (fig. 4) as from 1984.
                                                                                              The research carried out showed the importance of the urban site, which is in a strate-
                                                                                          gic position from where it is possible to dominate the roads leading to the high Swat val-
                                                                                          ley, to the low river valley and then to Afghanistan, Buner and Indu.




                                                                                                                                                                  Figure 4. Barikot
                                                                                                                                                                  (Pakistan): general
                                                                                                                                                                  view of the fortified
                                                                                                                                                                  town founded by the
                                                                                                                                                                  Indo-Greeks (photo
                                                                                                                                                                  P. Callieri).

                                               114
       Moreover, it was possible to find
clear confirmation of the identification
of this site, already proposed by A.
Stein [3, 7] and G. Tucci [8], with the
city called by the classical historians
(Curtius Rufus, VIII, 34 and Arrianus,
Anabasis, IV, 27) with the name of
Bazira and conquered by Alexander
in 327 BC. The name used nowadays
seems to come from the old Bajira
[7].
       The ancient city, on the Western
side of the modern village, is on an
area of 10 ha and is closed on the
northern part by a crescent shaped
hill touched by the Swat rive and on
the southern part by the Kandak and
Karakar rivers.
       As from 1984 the excavations
went on, despite some interruptions        Figure 5. The Archaeological area of Barikot (in
                                           brown: the proto-historical settlement and grave
due to the not always easy interna-
                                           yard; in blue: the Historic city; in red: the Late
tional situation, till today. A topo-      Historic settlement; in white the excavated
graphic survey of the site and of all of   areas).
the emerging structures came before
the excavation campaigns leading to the opening of ten trenches on the alluvial plain at           Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
the bottom of the hill or on the two artificial terraces (eastern and western terrace) domi-
nating the hill [9] (fig. 5).
       In the first phase, from 1984 to 1990, four trenches were opened (BKG 1, BKG 2,
BKG 3 and BKG 4-5) through which it was possible to build up stratigraphic sequences
going from the 2nd century BC until the beginning of the 6th century AD and which go on,
as regards the area of the slope of the hill, until the Islamic period (13th-14th century AD).
       In the plateau were discovered the remains of important defensive works belonging
to the Indo-Greek period (BKG 3 and BKG 4-5) containing the level area of the city: up
until now a long part of the city walls heading to E-W and a shorter part which, starting
from the south-western corner heads to NNW have been indentified. Both these walls

                                                                                                 115
                                                                                                                                                                 Figure 6. Barikot
                                                                                                                                                                 Temple, the East
                                                                                                                                                                 side: with the mon-
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                                                                                                 umental staircase
                                                                                                                                                                 (photo Colliva).


                                                                                          have rectangular ramparts at 27-28 metres from one another. There is also a pentagonal
                                                                                          angular rampart, on the south-western corner (trench BKG 4-5); even if there are some
                                                                                          hypotheses [10], the precise perimeter of the city walls is not certain.
                                                                                             As from 1998 the excavations were also made in the hill protecting, thanks to its cres-
                                                                                          cent shape, the ancient city area and on which other trenches were opened (BKG 6, BKG
                                                                                          7, BKG 8, BKG 9). The most ancient materials found date back to 2nd millennium BC,
                                                                                          even if the first structures preserved long to the 1st-2nd century AD (BKG 7) and then to
                                                                                          the Shahi period, 7th-11th century AD (BKG 6) [6]. The most important discovery in this
                                                                                          area is without any doubt the sacred indu building, partially brought to light during the
                                                                                          1999 and 2000 campaigns: the eastern terrace, supported by a high substructure wall, is
                                                                                          almost entirely taken by the remains of this imposing religious building, with a rectangu-
                                                                                          lar plan (25 x 12.5 metres), embellished with architectural elements and figured decora-
                                                                                          tions in stucco (fig. 6). During the excavations the remains of the stucco decoration and
                                                                                          the fragments of a cult marble image dating back, from the stylistic point of view, to the
                                                                                          art of the Shahi period [11] (fig. 7) were brought to light.
                                                                                             After a forced stop of the works, due to the dramatic events of 2001, in 2006 the mis-
                                                                                          sion could restart the excavation in the site and, while waiting to reopen the trenches on
                                                                                          the hill, it was decided to work once again in the plain. A new trench (BKG 10) was
                                                                                          opened trying to find out useful elements for the reconstruction of the orientation of the
                                                                                          eastern section of the perimeter wall. Unfortunately no part of the walls was found but the

                                                116
finding of what seems to be a canali-
sation out of the walls gave new ele-
ments useful for an hypothetical
reconstruction.
   The high number of trenches and
their position made extremely difficult
to made a unitary chronological
sequence of the site. The problems
due to the lack of physical links
between the trenches and, in some
cases, also inside the trenches them-
selves (BKG 3 BKG 4-5)1 sum up to
the high complexity of a stratigraphic
situation spreading for almost four
millenniums of history.
   Many times it was underlined how
a similar operation is difficult [12], and
only an attentive analysis of the found
material, along with the study of the
architectural techniques found out
thanks to the excavations will allow to
                                             Figure 7. Barikot Temple: fragment of a marble
arrive to a final dating. In particular,     statue representing Gadadevi (photo Primangeli).
much hope is placed in the study of
the ceramic material, which is being carried on at the moment, and which promises to
solve many problems still unsolved thanks to the richness and the volume of the data               Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
which can provide [13-14].
   Despite the difficulties underlined in this necessary introduction, in the past at least
two partial attempts were made in order to find a connection among the different periods
identified in the trenches [9-10]. On the basis of these precedents, the authors of this arti-
cle proposed a new periodization including in an exhaustive way all of the trenches stud-
ied up until now, all of the periods and the phases identified inside them2.
   In this proposal (table 1) the author hypothesises ten big periods identified by the
acronym BKGCS (Bir-kot-ghwandai Cultural Sequence). This periodization, which is not
final, wants to be a work base to use during the study, still in progress, of the materials
found during excavations.

                                                                                                 117
         P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




118
                                                                                                   Table 1. Chonological sequence of the Barikot Site.




(L.C.)
Ø BKGCS I (Period I of BKG 3, Period IA of BKG 7, Period I of BKG 8 and the Period I
   of BKG 9): corresponds to the period IV of the Swat proto-historic sequence (1700-
   1400 BC) [15].
Ø BKGCS II (Period I bis of BKG 3, the Periods I and II and the Phases 1 and 2 of
   BKG 4-5, the Period IB of BKG 7, the Period II of BKG 8 and the Period II of BKG
   9) seems to corresponds to the periods from the V to the VII of the Swat proto-his-
   toric sequence. Unfortunately, the fact that the excavation is so limited at this level
   and the low number of structures and materials found do not allow a dating or a
   more precise periodization.
Ø BKGCS III: it includes the phase linked to the building of the defensive structures
   of the city; this period is dated between the second half of the 2nd century BC and
   the 1st century BC (Indo-Greek age) (Periods I-III in BKG 1, Period IIA in BKG 3,
   Period III and Phase 3 in BKG 4-5, Period II in BKG 7, Period III in BKG 8 and
   Period III in BKG 9).
Ø BKGCS IV: the main event is the reconstruction of some ramparts of the city wall
   (Period IIB in BKG 3 and Phase 4 in BKG 4-5) which were likely to be damaged by one
   of the frequent earthquakes typical of this region. On the other hand it is more difficult
   to associate to this period the episodes pointed out in the other trenches: Period IV in
   BKG 1; the dating proposed on the basis of the material found is, nevertheless, very
   next to the one proposed for the reconstruction works: 1st century BC (Śaka period).
Ø BKGCS V: it includes the levels dated between the 1st and the 2nd century AD
   (Parthian and proto-Ku®†∂a period) (Periods V and VI in BKG 1, Periods I and II in
   BKG 2, Period III and Phases 1a and 1b in BKG 3, Periods IV and V and Phase 5 in
   BKG 4-5). In the layers linked to these structures (trench BKG 3) a fragment of black
   polished ceramic was found which can be connected to a similar fragment found in               Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
   the layer of the Period IV in trench BKG 1. This finding seems to demonstrate a sub-
   stantial continuity between this period (BKGCS V) and the previous one (BKGCS IV).
   At the moment it is impossible to fix the precise arrival of the Ku®†∂a: the excava-
   tions do not show any clear sign of interruption between this period and the follow-
   ing one.
Ø BKGCS VI (Period VII BKG 1, Period IVA and Phase 2a of BKG 3, Period VI and
   Phase 6 of BKG 4-5, Period III of BKG 7, Periods IV and V of BKG 9): during this
   period, entirely dating to the Ku®†∂a period, 2nd-3rd century AD, the small sacred
   Buddhist area inside the city walls was built (BKG 4-5). Moreover, in this macro-
   period we witness the progressive loss of defensive function of the city wall which

                                                                                                119
                                                                                                 tends to become a simple substructure for the inner levels of the city. As a matter
                                                                                                 of fact, these last levels, as the constant realisation of new structures for the down
                                                                                                 flow of the waters shows (Period VI and Phase 6 in BKG 4-5), rose very much. It
                                                                                                 is likely that, as already proposed by OLIVIERI et al. [16-17], this phenomenon has
                                                                                                 to be put into connection with the general demilitarisation of the region following
                                                                                                 the so called pax kushanica [18].
                                                                                          Ø BKGCS VII (Period VIII in BKG 1, Periods IVB and V and Phases 2b and 3 of BKG 3
                                                                                                 and Periods VII and VIII and Phases 7 and 8 of BKG 4-5) the process of functional
                                                                                                 transformation of the perimeter wall is finished and we assist to the building of struc-
                                                                                                 tures allowing an easier transit to the inner areas (Period V in BKG 3 and Phase 8 in
                                                                                                 BKG 4-5). The layers belonging to this macro-period date between the 4th and begin-
                                                                                                 ning of the 6th century AD.
                                                                                          Ø BKGCS VIII: this macro-period includes the layers referable to the Shahi period
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                                 (Period IX in BKG 1, Periods IV and V in BKG 2, Periods IA and IB in BKG 6, Periods
                                                                                                 IV and V in BKG 7, Period IV in BKG 8 and Period VI in BKG 9). During this period
                                                                                                 the round-towered building was made at the slope of the hill (Period IV in BKG 2); the
                                                                                                 walls substituting the two terraces overlooking the top of the hill were built (Period IV
                                                                                                 in BKG 8) as well as the temple overlooking the Eastern terrace (Period IA of BKG 6).
                                                                                                 The ceramic found in the layers included in this macro-period has two very different
                                                                                                 horizons; we hope that the research of the ceramic materials which is currently car-
                                                                                                 ried out will allow to clearly distinguish these two phases, probably corresponding to
                                                                                                 the so-called Turkish-Shahi and Hindu-Shahi periods.
                                                                                          Ø BKGCS IX: this macro-period includes all of the layers with a cultural horizon refer-
                                                                                                 able to the Ghaznavid conquest and to the first period of the Islamic rule in this region
                                                                                                 (Period VI and Phase 4 of BKG 3, Periods from II to VI in BKG 6, Periods VI and VII
                                                                                                 in BKG 7, Periods from the V to the VII in BKG 8, Periods VII and VIII in BKG 9).
                                                                                          Ø BKGCS X: the macro-period includes all of the periods having of traces activity or
                                                                                                 recent occupation or, at least, after the 15th century AD (Per X in BKG 1, Per VII and
                                                                                                 Phase 5 in BKG 3).
                                                                                                 The excavations of the trenches BKG 1, BKG 2 BKG 3 and BKG 4-5 brought to light
                                                                                          266 objects made of copper alloy; 56 among them, the best preserved, were taken stock
                                                                                          of6.

                                                                                          4. Metallurgical industry indicators

                                                                                                 In relation to the specific subject of this article, we have to underline that some of the

                                     120
items brought to light during the excavation can be the proof, for their function or their
nature, of the presence of a metallurgical industry in the site.
   Slags, prills7, fragments of melting pots and all the objects which were found folded
and ready to be cast and reused are considered as indicators.
   The following is a summary table of these objects (table 2).

 Table 2. Indicators of metallurgical industry and their distribution in the different
 macro-periods.




                                                                                               Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage




                                                                                 (segue)

                                                                                             121
                                                                                           Table 2 (following). Indicators of metallurgical industry and their distribution in the dif-
                                                                                           ferent macro-periods.
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                          5. Study hypothesis for the identification of the mining places of the metals found
                                                                                            in Barikot

                                                                                             The material evidence brought to light during the excavation of the site, in particular
                                                                                          the finding of quite a lot of metal objects ready to be cast and reused (table 2), the dis-
                                                                                          covery of two furnaces for metals (Period VI and Period VII in BKG 4-5), the presence of
                                                                                          at least one metal ingot not yet worked (sample n. 71)8, seem to show that in Barikot
                                                                                          there was, at least in some periods, a fairly good metallurgical activity.
                                                                                             Nevertheless, the data found during the excavation are not enough to make wider
                                                                                          hypotheses on the dimensions of this activity and on its temporal extension. For this rea-
                                                                                          son, at the end of the excavation campaign of 2000 the MAIP asked to the Department
                                                                                          of Archaeology & Museums, Government of Pakistan, to export a few samples to be

                                            122
analysed in Italy. The aim of these analyses is to collect new information on the tech-
niques of metal working, on the used alloys and on the mining places of the minerals.
   Six of the samples were brought to Ravenna, where, in co-operation with the
Laboratorio Diagnostico del Dipartimento di Storie e Metodi per la Conservazione dei
Beni Culturali, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, sede di Ravenna, a project
for the collection of data useful for the identification of the places of origin of the mineral
used in the metallurgical industry was started.
   Here as follows there are the cards of the six samples analysed9.

            Field n.:                      127
            Object:                        Part of a crucible
            Trench:                        Sporadic
            Locus:                         –
            SU:                            –
            Collection Date:               1987
            Description:                   Part of a crucible with copper traces
            Material:                      Pottery, copper alloy
            Conservation:                  Broken; missing parts; oxidation
            Dimensions:                    Length: 4.7; width: 3.5; thickness: 1.5
            Weight (in g):                 14.71
            Phase:                         –
            Period:                        –
            Analysis:                      XRF
            Comparative evidences:         –


             Field n.:                     128

                                                                                                    Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
             Object:                       Slag
             Trench:                       Sporadic
             Locus:                        –
             SU:                           –
             Collection Date:              1987
             Description:                  Vitrified slag with traces of metal
             Material:                     Clay, iron, copper
             Conservation:                 Broken; missing parts
             Dimensions:                   Length: 5.5; width: 4.9; thickness: 1.6
             Weight (in g):                27.74
             Phase:                        –
             Period:                       –
             Analysis:                     XRF
             Comparative evidences:        –
                                                                                                  123
                                                                                          Field n.:                146
                                                                                          Object:                  Prill
                                                                                          Trench:                  BKG 2
                                                                                          Locus:                   218
                                                                                          SU:                      558
                                                                                          Collection Date:         30-10-1990
                                                                                          Description:             Two prills
                                                                                          Material:                Copper alloy
                                                                                          Conservation:            One prill broken; one missing part;
                                                                                                                   encrusted and completely mineralized;
                                                                                                                   crackings; presence of copper corrosion
                                                                                                                   products
                                                                                          Dimensions:              Length: 1.9, 0.9; width: 0.9, 0.9; thickness:
                                                                                                                   0.5, 0.6
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                          Weight (in g):           2.46 (1.01, 1.45)
                                                                                          Phase:                   –
                                                                                          Period:                  BKGCS VIII (Period IV)
                                                                                          Analysis:                XRF
                                                                                          Comparative evidences:   –




                                                                                          Field n.:                211
                                                                                          Object:                  Sheet
                                                                                          Trench:                  BKG 4-5
                                                                                          Locus:                   4W
                                                                                          SU:                      2728
                                                                                          Collection Date:         1990
                                                                                          Description:             Sheet folded and ready to be cast and
                                                                                                                   reused
                                                                                          Material:                Copper alloy
                                                                                          Conservation:            Broken; 5 fragments; missing parts;
                                                                                                                   deformed; presence of copper corrosion
                                                                                                                   products
                                                                                          Dimensions:              Largest fragment: length 2.2; width: 1.2
                                                                                          Weight (in g):           –
                                                                                          Phase:                   –
                                                                                          Period:                  BKGCS V (Period IV)
                                                                                          Analysis:                XRF
                                                                                          Comparative evidences:   –

                                       124
Field n.:                212
Object:                  Sheet
Trench:                  BKG 4-5
Locus:                   4W
SU:                      2734
Collection Date:         1992
Description:             Sheet folded and ready to be cast and
                         reused
Material:                Copper alloy
Conservation:            Broken; 9 fragments; missing parts; almost
                         completely mineralized; presence of
                         copper corrosion products
Dimensions:              Largest fragment: length 3.3; width: 1.2
Weight (in g):           –
Phase:                   –
Period:                  BKGCS III (Period III)
Analysis:                XRF
Comparative evidences:   –




Field n.:                213
Object:                  Stud
Trench:                  BKG 4-5
Locus:                   520
SU:                      2747
Collection Date:         1992                                           Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
Description:             Small metallic stud with traces of incised
                         decoration near the border; two fastening
                         loops on the verso
Material:                Copper alloy
Conservation:            Encrusted; presence of copper corrosion
                         products
Dimensions:              Diameter: 1.2; thickness: 0.8
Weight (in g):           –
Phase:                   BKGCS VI (Period VI)
Period:                  XRF
Analysis:                –
Comparative evidences:

                                                                      125
                                                                                             At the moment, the data obtained from the excavation witness the presence of a met-
                                                                                          allurgical activity of an handicraft type, especially as regards the manufacture of copper
                                                                                          alloy objects. As already remembered, in the trench BKG 4-5 two rooms (locus BKG 512
                                                                                          e BKG 428) which are supposed to be used to work the metals were identified. Their posi-
                                                                                          tion inside the town, the huge number of metallic objects ready to be cast and reused and
                                                                                          the finding of a single non-worked metal ingot9 seem to prove that in Barikot there only
                                                                                          was a secondary metallurgical activity which took care mainly of the reuse of import
                                                                                          material. The small extension of the studies, compared to the huge extension of the site
                                                                                          (10 ha approx.), make this hypothesis a simple speculation. For these reasons a study
                                                                                          project giving data on the origin of the mining resources could be extremely useful.

                                                                                          6. Fluorescence X Spectrometry

                                                                                             The aim of the project here showed is to recognise, through diagnostic-analytical
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                          analysis, particular compositional elements useful in order to identify the metals coming
                                                                                          from the same mining place. The hope is to identity the number of the mining places and
                                                                                          their change as time passed by.
                                                                                             The first of the different phases of this project is a feasibility study on the available
                                                                                          samples. To this first step a study of a wider quantity of samples coming from different
                                                                                          chronological periods10 should have followed in case the data collected were considered
                                                                                          as interesting enough. It was not excluded, in case the study gave good results, to widen
                                                                                          the analyses also to other sites in the region in order to collect useful elements for the
                                                                                          reconstruction of the trades linked to the metallurgical industry and to the geographical
                                                                                          identification of the supplying mining areas. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the col-
                                                                                          lected data are certainly interesting, the current political situation in Swat brought to the
                                                                                          suspension of the excavations and it was not possible to select and import new samples
                                                                                          to go on with the analyses. The number of the samples which was possible to analyse is
                                                                                          extremely low and the collected data are statistically unusable to formulate concrete
                                                                                          hypotheses. Almost all of the objects found during the excavation are made of alloy cop-
                                                                                          per, once the presence of elements which can be specific identified, it will be necessary
                                                                                          to find out to which of the metals inside the alloy these elements were linked to original-
                                                                                          ly. This result, which can be obtained with an accurate statistical study, is only achievable
                                                                                          thanks to the study of a wide range of samples. Despite this, as we will see later, the
                                                                                          results obtained showed at least once interesting working ideas.
                                                                                             The six available samples for the first phase of the project were cleaned with mechan-
                                                                                          ical instruments and a ultrasound bath (Ultrasonic UTA18 by Falc) in order to eliminate

                                        126
the ground residuals still on the samples and in order to eliminate in one portion of each
object the more superficial corrosion layers. This last action was made in order to obtain
a surface without any external contamination and suitable for the analysis with XRF. After
that the objects were weighted (balance model ORMA Model BC), it was taken a picture
and a micro-picture of them and finally they were analysed with the fluorescent spec-
trometry (Spectrometer EIS, 35 keV, 0,5mA e 10 keV, 0.5 mA) both on the surface and,
if possible, after cutting them, in their core.
    The XRF technique (X-ray fluorescence) allows to obtain the spectrum of the atomi-
cally elements characterising the materials analysed. The fluorescent X spectrometer
excites the point of the object chosen for the analysis with X radiations (incident or pri-
mary rays) of the right wave-length. The consequent resettlement of the electrons of the
superior orbits inside the ones remained empty causes the emission of secondary X-rays
whose energy is typical of the elements found in the sample irradiated. The fluorescent
spectrum has the recording of the secondary X-rays represented by some peaks. the
analysis is limited to the elements between the atomic numbers 11 e 92 [19].
    The analyses of this study are made with a portable fluorescent spectrometer EIS.
    Two of the six analysed samples (n. 127 and n. 128) are not made of alloy metallic,
but they are a fragment of a melting pot and of a vitreous slag with some traces of metal.
Even if they are not optimum for this study, we decided to analyse them anyway. The
analysis of these two samples is here as follows and the spectrum of fluorescent X-ray
obtained are commented together.
    The sample n. 127 is likely to be a fragment of melting pot with some traces of cop-



                                                                                                Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage




A                                                 B
Figure 8. Photograph of sample n. 127: A) recto; B) verso.

                                                                                              127
                                                                                                                                        per (or alloy copper) fund during the exca-
                                                                                                                                        vation campaign of 1987 (fig. 8-9). The
                                                                                                                                        sample was found outside the excavation
                                                                                                                                        contest and therefore the object has no
                                                                                                                                        stratigraphic period.
                                                                                                                                            The sample n. 128 is a working slag
                                                                                                                                        made of clay partially vitrified, with
                                                                                                                                        traces of metal (fig. 10-11). As the previ-
                                                                                                                                        ous one, also this sample, when was
                                                                                                                                        found was outside a precise archaelogi-
                                                                                          Figure 9. Microphotograph (12x) of sample
                                                                                          n. 127, verso.                                cal context.
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                          A                                             B

                                                                                          Figure 10. Photograph of sample n. 128: A) recto; B ) verso.
                                                                                                                                            Surely the nature of these two sam-
                                                                                                                                        ples is not ideal for this kind of study: the
                                                                                                                                        danger that the traces of metal inside
                                                                                                                                        them are contaminated by the other mate-
                                                                                                                                        rials is too high and it is impossible to
                                                                                                                                        prove if the presence of a particular com-
                                                                                                                                        position origins from the alloy metallic or if
                                                                                                                                        it is present inside the clay to which the
                                                                                                                                        metals are linked. Despite that we decid-
                                                                                                                                        ed to analyse also these samples with the
                                                                                          Figure 11. Microphotograph (20x) of sam-      XRF.
                                                                                          ple n. 128, recto.
                                        128
   Both the surfaces of the samples were analysed (fig. 12-13 and 15-16) and after a
mechanical cutting also their nucleus was analysed. As regards the inside nucleus of n.
128 we analysed both the clay and the vitreous sections (fig. 14 and 17-18).
   As it was possible to foreseen, the analyses showed the presence of many elements
and there are also many variations of compositions found in the different points
analysed.
   In both the samples a high concentration of iron (Fe) was found (figures from 12 to
18) and it is in all of the analyses made. Also the calcium (Ca) is in both the samples (fig.




         Figure 12. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 127, recto (10
         keV, 0.5 mA).




                                                                                                  Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage




         Figure 13. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 127, verso (35
         keV, 0.5 mA).

                                                                                                129
                                                                                                  Figure 14. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 127, core (35
                                                                                                  keV, 0.5 mA).
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                                  Figure 15. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 128, recto (35
                                                                                                  keV, 0.5 mA).


                                                                                          12 and 15) even if in the sample n. 127, in its nucleus (fig. 13-14) and in the vitreous part
                                                                                          of the nucleus of the sample n. 128 (fig. 17), there are only traces of it. On the other hand,
                                                                                          the copper (Cu), which has a high concentration only in the rear part of the sample n. 127
                                                                                          (fig. 13), as predictable by the green colour of the corrosion products, has only some
                                                                                          traces in the other parts of this sample and in the sample n. 128 (fig. 15-18). In the sam-

                                        130
         Figure 16. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 128, verso (35
         keV, 0.5 mA).




                                                                                                 Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
         Figure 17. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 128, core (35
         keV, 0.5 mA).


ple n. 127 there are traces of silver (Ar), potassium (K), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr) and
lead (Pb) (fig. 6 and 12-14). In the sample n. 128 there are traces of potassium, (K), tita-
nium (Ti), zirconium (Zr) (fig. 15-18).
   The presence of tungsten (W) is due to the instruments used for the analyses.
   Sample n. 146 consists of two prills in copper alloy found in the layers of the BKGCS
VIII macro-period (fig. 19-20).
   Both the fragments have been photographed and analysed although, even in this

                                                                                               131
                                                                                                  Figure 18. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 128, verso (35
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                                  keV, 0.5 mA).




                                                                                          Figure 19. Photograph of
                                                                                          sample n. 146, from right
                                                                                          to left, fragments A e B.




                                                                                                                                            Figure 20. Microphotograph (15x)
                                                                                                                                            of sample n. 146 A.
                                               132
case, being just working waste, they were not suitable for this study. Despite this intro-
ductive remarks, very interesting results have been brought to light through the analyses
of these samples.
   The analysis of the samples shows, as it was expected, a very high percentage of
copper (Cu) (fig. 21-24); iron (Fe) is present as well, at least on the surface, with high con-
centration (fig. 21 and 23). Sample n. 146B presents also an important quantity of calci-




         Figure 21. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n.146 A (35 keV, 0.5
         mA).




                                                                                                    Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage




         Figure 22. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n.146 A (35 keV, 0.5
         mA), core.

                                                                                                  133
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                                    Figure 23. X-rays florescence spectrum of sample n.146 A (35 keV, 0.5
                                                                                                    mA).




                                                                                                    Figure 24. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n.146 B (35 keV, 0.5
                                                                                                    mA), core.

                                                                                          um (Ca) (fig. 23) which, on the contrary, is barely present in sample n. 146 (fig. 21). On
                                                                                          the surface of the two samples there are also traces of titanium (Ti), strontium (Sr) and
                                                                                          zirconium (Zr) (figs. 21 and 23), probably coming from the soil and indeed less clear in
                                                                                          the analyses of nuclei (fig. 22 and 24). On the other hand, it is very interesting to notice
                                                                                          the presence of tin (Sn) and niobium (Nb), both on the surface and within the nuclei (fig.
                                                                                          21-24).

                                          134
   Sample n. 211, composed of 5 copper alloy sheet fragments, has been found in the
layers belonging to the BKGCS V macro-period (1st-2nd century AD) of trench BKG 4-5
(fig. 25-26). Due to the unique nature of the sample, the XRF analysis has been carried
out only on the biggest fragment and, because of the reduced thickness, only on the
uncoated surface.
   The analyses brought to light a very high percentage of copper (Cu), a moderate pres-
ence of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) and also some traces of calcium (Ca) and zirconium (Zr)
(fig. 27), even in this case probably linked to the soil where they were found.




                                                                  Figure 25. Photograph
                                                                  of sample n. 211.


                                                                                              Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage




Figure 26. Microphotograph (15x)
of sample n. 211.

                                                                                            135
                                                                                                  Figure 27. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 211, (35 keV, 0.5
                                                                                                  mA).
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                             Sample n. 212 is composed of 9 sheet fragments (3 of them very little) found in the
                                                                                          layers belonging to the BKGCS III macro-period of trench BKG 4-5 (figs. 28-29). As for
                                                                                          this sample, the same considerations made for n. 177 are valid: the analysis was carried
                                                                                          out only for the biggest fragment and, because of the poor thickness, no cut was done
                                                                                          and only the uncoated portion was analysed.
                                                                                             The analyses confirmed the high presence of copper (Cu) already expected after the
                                                                                          observation of the corrosion coat; moderate percentages of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and
                                                                                          zirconium were found (Zr). Even in this case the presence of tin (Sn) and niobium (Nb)




                                                                                                                                                      Figure 28. Photograph of
                                                                                                                                                      sample n. 212.
                                           136
Figure 29. Microphotograph (20x)
of sample n. 212.




        Figure 30. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 212 (35 keV, 0.5
        mA).
                                                                                                Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
results to be particularly interesting (fig. 30). As in the previous spectrum, the presence
of tungsten (W) is due to the instrumentation it was used.
   Sample n. 213 consists of a little copper alloy stud found out in trench BKG 4-5 and
dated back to the BKGCS VI macro-period (2nd-3rd century AD) (fig. 31-32).
   This sample has been examined, through XRF both on its external and internal sur-
faces, but it has not been cut.
   The analyses show that the sample presents a high concentration of copper (Cu) and
important quantities of calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe); in this case as well there are relevant
traces of zirconium (Zr). The sample presents, moreover, traces of tin (Sn), niobium (Nb)
and titanium (Ti).

                                                                                              137
                                                                                           A                                             B
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                          Figure 31. Photograph of sample n.213, recto and verso.




                                                                                                                                               Figure 32. Microphotograph (15x) of
                                                                                                                                               sample n. 212, recto.

                                                                                               As we have pointed out since the beginning, the analyses carried out on the few sam-
                                                                                          ples available, can be considered only as a proof of feasibility for a future project. The
                                                                                          number of samples, the sporadic origin of some of these and the typology of the first three
                                                                                          samples examined, definitely unsuitable for this kind of analysis, do not allow the formu-
                                                                                          lation of concrete hypotheses regarding the supplying sources of the metals found in
                                                                                          Barikot. Unfortunately, when the samples have been imported, this project was not con-
                                                                                          ceived yet and, since its creation, the Swat politic situation has prevented a new mission
                                                                                          and therefore a new selection of samples.
                                                                                               Nevertheless, the few data collected showed at least two points of particular interest:

                                           138
        Figure 33. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 213, recto (35
        keV, 0.5 mA).




        Figure 34. X-rays fluorescence spectrum of sample n. 213, verso (35                          Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
        keV, 0.5 mA).

1) Four of the analysed samples – n. 127, n. 128, n. 146 and n. 213 – showed traces of
   titanium presence. Even though this presence was relevant to the authors, it results
   to be particularly evident only in the fragment of melting pot (n. 127), in the waste (n.
   128) (fig. 12-17) and on the surface of the other samples (fig. 21, 23, 33 and 34) but
   not within their internal nucleus (fig. 22 and 24); it is not possible, therefore, to exclude
   it could be the result of an external contamination rather than an original element of
   the metallic alloy.
2) In three of the analysed samples, n. 146, n. 212 and n. 213, presence of niobium (Nb)
   was found (fig. 23-26, 30, 33 and 34). This last element is relatively rare and it is not

                                                                                                   139
                                                                                              present in nature at a native state, but, in some cases, traces of it can be found in the
                                                                                              crystal web of cassiterite (SnO2) and, in particular, in cassiterite coming from some
                                                                                              south-east Asian mines11.
                                                                                              In the samples we have analysed, niobium is present both on the surface and within
                                                                                          the core of samples; moreover, traces of niobium always coincides with the presence of
                                                                                          tin in the alloy.
                                                                                              All we have said until now remains, for the already mentioned reasons, a mere spec-
                                                                                          ulation; nevertheless, if these data will be confirmed, it will be possible to think that the
                                                                                          tin minerals used in Barikot come from mines or collecting zones characterised by the
                                                                                          presence of niobium within the mineral.

                                                                                          7. Some conclusive considerations

                                                                                              As for the metallurgic production in the Barikot site, we have to confirm what we have
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                          previously pointed out: the data we have collected are still not enough to formulate recon-
                                                                                          structive hypotheses regarding the development and the extension of this activity .
                                                                                              The concentration of those which have been recognised as indicators of the presence
                                                                                          of a metallurgic activity, mainly during the BKGCS V, BKGCS VI and BKGCS VII macro-
                                                                                          periods (see tab. 2), seems to indicate that this activity saw a development only since 1st-
                                                                                          2nd century AD The extension of the site and the presence of wide areas which have not
                                                                                          been studied yet make this data extremely partial.
                                                                                              The technical-diagnostic analyses carried out by the Laboratorio Diagnostico del
                                                                                          Dipartimento di Storie e Metodi per la Conservazione dei Beni Culturali, Alma Mater
                                                                                          Studiorum Università di Bologna, sede di Ravenna, showed that a variety of metallic
                                                                                          alloys is present in the metallic objects discovered in Barikot; this variety goes further the
                                                                                          too simplistic division copper/bronze.
                                                                                              This fact confirms the importance of diagnostic analyses and invites to be cautious
                                                                                          when describing the discovered objects. The collected data and the several experiences
                                                                                          demonstrate how the attempts to recognise materials on a superficial observation of the
                                                                                          object could be misleading [20].
                                                                                              The study of spectres obtained from XFR analyses, realised within the Laboratorio di
                                                                                          Ravenna, opened the way to a new project of studies which could give precious infor-
                                                                                          mation about the metals’ place of mining and, despite the narrow quantity of analysed
                                                                                          samples, already supplied important data underlining the presence of niobium in the cop-
                                                                                          per-tin alloy samples and giving, therefore, a possible indicator for the identification of tin
                                                                                          supplying sites to which this presence seems to be linked.

                                140
     We have to point out again that the objects which could be analysed with technical-
diagnostic methodologies are too few in comparison with spatial extension and temporal
development of the site. All the hypotheses we have illustrated will have to be compared
with the data obtained from the studies which are still being carried on.
     The importance of the Barikot site is always increasing with regards to the compre-
hension of the historical processes of this region, in particular the studies on the urban
settlements in the pre-Ku®†∂a period [10] and on the Buddhism development in the
region [21-22]. This, together with the relevance of data which, despite the difficulties, it
was possible to obtain, invites to continue with even greater care the studies on this site.

Note
1   For a more detailed description of trenches see the preliminary reports constantly published by
    MAIP:
    Ø for trench BKG 1: CALLIERI P., FACCENNA D., FILIGENZI A. 1984, Pakistan 1. Excavations
       and Researches in the Swat valley – B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai, East and West, 15/1-2, 7-23.
    Ø for BKG 2: CALLIERI P., FILIGENZI A., STACUL G. 1990, Excavation at B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai,
       Swat: 1987, Pakistan Archaeology 25, 163-192. CALLIERI P., BROCATO P., FILIGENZI A.,
       OLIVIERI L.M., NASCARI M. 1992, B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai 1990-1992. A Preliminary Report on the
       Excavations of the Italian Archaeological Mission, IsMEO. Napoli, AION, 52, 4. Suppl. 73.
    Ø for BKG 3: CALLIERI P., FILIGENZI A., STACUL G. 1990, Excavation at B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai,
       Swat: 1987. Pakistan Archaeology 25, 163-192.
    Ø for BKG 4-5: CALLIERI P., BROCATO P., FILIGENZI A., OLIVIERI L.M., NASCARI M. 1992,
       B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai 1990-1992. A Preliminary Report on the Excavations of the Italian
       Archaeological Mission, IsMEO. Napoli, AION, 52, 4. Suppl. 73.
    Ø for BKG 6: CALLIERI P., COLLIVA L., MICHELI R., NASIR ABDUL, OLIVIERI L.M. 2000, B∏r-                Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
       kot-ghwa∂∑ai, Swat, Pakistan. 1998-1999 Excavation Report. East and West, 50/1-4, 191-226,
       204-225. CALLIERI P., COLLIVA L., NASIR ABDUL 2000-2001, B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai, Swat,
       Pakistan. Preliminary Report on the Autumn 2000 Campaign of IsIAO Archaeological Italina
       Mission in Pakistan. Annali, Napoli, Istituto Universitario Orientale, 60-61, 215-232. CALLIERI
       P. 2005, Excavations of the IsIAO Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan at B∏r-kot-
       ghwa∂∑ai, Swat: the Sacred Building on the Citaled, in C. JARRIGE & V. LEFÈVRE (eds.),
       Paris, South Asian Archaeology 2001, II, 417-425.
    Ø for BKG 7: OLIVIERI & MICHELI in CALLIERI P., COLLIVA L., MICHELI R., NASIR ABDUL &
       OLIVIERI L.M. 2000, B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai, Swat, Pakistan. 1998-1999 Excavation Report. East
       and West, 50/1-4, 191-226.

                                                                                                         141
                                                                                              Ø for BKG 8: OLIVIERI & MICHELI in CALLIERI P., COLLIVA L., MICHELI R., NASIR ABDUL &
                                                                                                 OLIVIERI L.M. 2000, B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai, Swat, Pakistan. 1998-1999 Excavation Report. East
                                                                                                 and West, 50/1-4, 191-226.
                                                                                              Ø for BKG 9: OLIVIERI in CALLIERI P., COLLIVA L., MICHELI R., NASIR ABDUL, OLIVIERI L.M.
                                                                                                 2000, B∏r-kot-ghwa∂∑ai, Swat, Pakistan. 1998-1999 Excavation Report. East and West, 50/1-
                                                                                                 4, 191-226.
                                                                                              The excavation report regarding BKG 10 is being prepared.
                                                                                          2   In the chronological sequence hereby proposed, differently from what Olivieri prevously did
                                                                                              (OLIVIERI 2003, 25-27), the abandon phase have not been indicated. In order to be more com-
                                                                                              plete, we can say that, from the absolute chronology point of view, Phase 2 proposed by Olivieri
                                                                                              can be put between BKGCS I and BKGCS II; Phase 4 is inserted between BKGCS II and BKGCS
                                                                                              III; Phase 7 is included between BKGCS VII and BKGCS VIII whereas Phase 10 is between
                                                                                              BKGCS IX and BKGCS X.
P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                              We are still not sure about some periods or phases which, failing sure data, we preferred to treat
                                                                                              separately. Period III in BKG 2, yet uncertain, should come before Shahi period and could there-
                                                                                              fore be part of BKGCS VI or BKGCS VII macro-period.
                                                                                              Period VI of BKG 2 could be linked to BKGCS IX macro-period, and, maybe, the earthquake
                                                                                              thought to be responsible for the falling down of the precedent structure could be the same which
                                                                                              caused relevant damages to the monumental temple in the eastern terrace of the hill (Period III in
                                                                                              BKG 6).
                                                                                              As for Period IX and X of BKG 4-5, the collected data are so narrow, even because of the limited
                                                                                              structure extension, that their introduction in a macro-period would result totally arbitrary.
                                                                                          3   The inventoried objects have been handed over to the Department of Archaeology & Museums,
                                                                                              Government of Pakistan, and are now kept in Saidu Sharif Swat Museum; the objects which have
                                                                                              not been inventoried are kept, for study reasons, in the Saidu Sharif MAIP office.
                                                                                          4   City walls internal area.
                                                                                          5   City walls internal area.
                                                                                          6   The prills are drops of melted metal which fall to the soil during the working process.
                                                                                          7   Doubts remain regarding the function of object n. 162 and it is not possible to exclude it was used
                                                                                              as ingot.
                                                                                          8   In the Barikot excavations, due to the wide extension of many trenches, the system of loci was
                                                                                              used instead of squares. At the item “locus” we indicate the origin environment of the object; the
                                                                                              first number of the locus indicates its trench.
                                                                                              The linear measures, if not differently indicated, are in centimetres; the weight in grams.
                                                                                              In the field “Period”, when possible, we indicate the macro-period of the chronological sequence

                                       142
     previously proposed (preceeded by the abbreviation BKGCS); in these cases the periods of the
     sequence of the origin trench are indicated between round brackets.
9    See note VII.
10 The   samples imported in 2000 were not chosen following their period, but because their were
     almost useless as for the typological studies.
11   See the Trento university website: (http://www.ing.unitn.it/~colombo/Niobio/html/niobio.htm) and
     the articles by C.K GUPTA: Extractive metallurgy of niobium, tantalum, and vanadium
     International Metals Reviews, vol. 29, n. 9 and G. KORINEK: The tantalum and niobium industry:
     an overview, TIC Bulletin, n. 80.


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P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




                                                                                          [21] CALLIERI P. 2006, Buddhist presence in the urban settlements of Sw†t, Second
                                                                                               Century BCE to Fourth Century CE in P. BRANCACCIO & K. BEHRENDT (eds.) The
                                                                                               Gandh†ran Buddhism. Archaeology, Art, Texts, Vancouver, 60-82.
                                                                                          [22] COLLIVA L. in press, The diffusion of buddhism in the North-West of the subconti-
                                                                                               nent: new possible interpretations starting from some remarks on the Apsidal Temple
                                                                                               of Taxila, in Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainability of
                                                                                               Communities in Remote Environments: Hindu Kush, Pakistan, Department of
                                                                                               Archaeology and Museums NWFP Pakistan and University of Glasgow, UK.

                                                                                          Summary
                                                                                          The authors introduce new studies on the metallurgic activity carried out in the archaeological site of
                                                                                          Barikot (Swat, Pakistan).
                                                                                          The collaboration between the IsIAO Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan and the Diagnostic
                                                                                          Laboratory of the Department of Storie e Metodi per la Conservazione dei Beni Culturali of the Alma
                                                                                          Mater Studiorum University of Bologna allowed the achievement of new useful data that are quite
                                                                                          interesting even if the research is still at the beginning and needs further checks.
                                                                                          In particular some samples show traces of niobium. This element is fairly rare but, in some cases, is
                                                                                          present into the crystal net of cassiterite. In the samples, the traces of niobium are always correlat-
                                                                                          ed with the presence of tin in the alloy. If these data will be confirmed, it’s going to be possible to
                                                                                          hypothesise that tin minerals used for the alloy of the object found at Barikot may come from mining
                                                                                          sites characterized by the presence of niobium.


                                                                                          Riassunto
                                                                                          Gli autori presentano nuovi studi riguardanti l’attività metallurgica sviluppatasi nel sito archeologico
                                                                                          di Barikot (Swat, Pakistan).
                                                                                          La collaborazione tra la Missione Archeologica Italiana dell’IsIAO in Pakistan e il Laboratorio
                                                                                          Diagnostico del Dipartimento di Storie e Metodi per la Conservazione dei Beni Culturali, Alma Mater
                                                                                          Studiorum Università di Bologna ha permesso la raccolta di nuovi dati che si sono dimostrati, anche
                                                                                          se la ricerca è ancora in corso e necessita di ulteriori conferme, estremamente interessanti.


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In particolare alcuni dei campioni presentano niobio in tracce. Questo elemento è estremamente
raro, ma, in alcuni casi, è presente nella rete cristallina della cassiterite. Nei campioni, il niobio è
sempre correlato alla presenza di stagno nella lega. Se questi dati verranno confermati, sarà possi-
bile ipotizzare che i minerali di stagno, usati per le leghe degli oggetti rinvenuti a Barikot, provenga-
no da siti estrattivi caratterizzati dalla presenza di niobio.


Résumé
Les auteurs présentent des nouvelles études concernant l’activité métallurgique qui s’est dévelop-
pée dans le site archéologique de Barikot (Swat, Pakistan).
La collaboration entre la Mission Archéologique Italienne de l’IsIAO au Pakistan et le Laboratoire
Diagnostique du Département d’Histoires et Méthodes pour la Conservation des Biens Culturels,
Alma Mater Étuderum Université de Bologne a permis la récolte de nouvelles données qui se sont
démontrées, même si la recherche est encore en cours et a besoin d’ultérieures confirmations,
extrêmement intéressantes.
En particulier, certains des échantillons présentent niobium en traces. Cet élément est extrême-
ment rare, mais, dans certains cas, il est présent dans le réseau cristallin de la cassitérite. Dans
les échantillons, le niobium est toujours corrélé à la présence d’étain dans l’alliage. Si ces données
étaient confirmées, il sera possible de supposer que les minéraux d’étain, employés pour les allia-
ges des objets retrouvés à Barikot, proviennent de sites d’extraction caractérisés par la présence
de niobium.


Zusammenfassung
Die Autoren stellen die neuen Studien über die metallurgische Aktivität vor, die sich in der
Ausgrabungsstätte von Barikot (Swat, Pakistan) entwickelt hat.
Die Kooperation zwischen der Italienischen Archäologischen Mission von IsIAO in Pakistan und dem
Diagnostischen Labor vom Fachbereich Geschichten und Methoden für die Erhaltung von
Kulturgütern, Alma Mater Studiorum, Universität von Bologna ermöglichte es, neue Daten zu sam-
meln, die sich extrem interessant erwiesen, obwohl die Forschung noch im Gang ist und noch bestä-
tigt werden muss.
Insbesondere tragen einige der Muster Spuren von Niob, dieses Element ist sehr selten aber ist
manchmal im Kristallgitter des Kassiterits. In den Mustern ist Niob immer zu finden, wenn es Zinn in
der Legierung gibt. Wenn diese Daten bestätigt werden, kann man vermuten, dass die Mineralien
aus Zinn, die für die Legierungen der in Barikot aufgefundenen Gegenstände verwendet wurden,
aus Ausgrabungsstätten mit Niob stammen.
                                                                                                              Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
Resumen
Los autores presentan nuevos estudios en relación con la actividad metalúrgica desarrollada en el
enclave arqueológico de Barikot (Swat, Pakistán).
La colaboración entre la Misión Arqueológica Italiana del IsIAO en Pakistán y el Laboratorio
Diagnóstico del Departamento de Historias y Métodos para la Conservación de los Bienes
Culturales, Alma Mater Studiorum Universidad de Bolonia ha permitido la recogida de nuevos
datos que han resultado extremadamente interesantes, si bien la investigación todavía está en
curso.
En particular, algunas de las muestras presentan trazas de niobio. Este elemento es extremada-
mente raro, pero en algunos casos está presente en la red cristalina de la casiterita. En las mues-
tras, el niobio siempre se presenta en correlación con la presencia de estaño en la aleación. Si estos
datos se confirmasen, se podrá teorizar que los minerales de estaño, usados para las aleaciones
de los objetos hallados en Barikot, proceden de los enclaves de extracción caracterizados por la
presencia de niobio.


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      P. Callieri et al. - Technical and diagnostic investigation on some metallic objects...




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