Bronze swords dating back to the Iron Age have just unveiled a well-kept secret. Thanks to an innovative imaging technique, researchers have uncovered modern modifications on these weapons, proving their alteration to increase their value on the illicit antiquities market.
These swords are valuable witnesses to the metallurgical expertise of ancient Iran. However, their alteration complicates the analysis of these techniques, which date back 3,000 years, a pivotal time for the transition from bronze to iron.
Neutron imaging reveals modern modifications on ancient swords. This technology is crucial for understanding bi-metallic objects.
Credit: Journal of Archaeological Science
The researchers, in collaboration with several institutions, used neutron tomography to analyze these weapons. Unlike X-rays, this technique is better at detecting organic materials, such as adhesives, or modern additions that have been concealed.
The results are unequivocal: some swords were recently modified, creating "pastiches" of ancient weapons. Bronze fragments were added to original iron components, thus distorting the history of the objects.
The analysis of the swords, which had been seized by British customs, revealed clear signs of forgery. Modern drill holes and even a broken drill bit still embedded in one of the blades were discovered.
This practice highlights the dangers to global heritage and the difficulty of ensuring the authenticity of museum collections. Such alterations obstruct the understanding of ancient metallurgical innovations, particularly in Iran, the birthplace of many metalworking techniques that remain poorly understood.
Neutron tomography cross-sections through the hilt showing casting defects and modern modifications.
The blade is inserted into a drilled hole (d) and secured with a rivet (f).
The study, led by Alex Rodzinka from Cranfield University, shows how crucial bi-metallic objects, such as swords with bronze blades and iron handles, are for tracing the transitions between metals. However, modern alterations obscure these findings.
Anna Fedrigo, a scientist at the ISIS source, emphasizes the importance of neutron analysis in detecting these modifications. The authenticity of many bronze weapons may now be in doubt, revealing further pastiches.
The work of these researchers, although focused on a few objects, has global implications for the fight against antiquities trafficking. It also underscores the urgency of adopting advanced techniques to protect historical heritage, threatened by illicit practices.
What is a pastiche in the field of antiquities?
A pastiche is an object that combines ancient and modern elements. It is often created from fragments of original objects, with modern materials or parts added to make it whole. These additions are made discreetly to give the appearance of a fully authentic artifact.
Such objects are often designed to deceive buyers. Antiquarians or collectors may acquire them believing they are genuine when in fact they contain modern modifications or reconstructions.
Pastiche objects pose a serious problem for researchers. They complicate the study of ancient techniques because they obscure the true nature of the objects, making it difficult to distinguish between original craftsmanship and contemporary additions.
Advanced imaging methods, such as neutron tomography, are crucial for detecting these modifications. They allow researchers to see beyond the surface and reveal the modern materials used in these deceptive assemblages.