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Description
The large ceramic antique sculpture from the Kerch Bay was studied in detail by the use of modern minimally invasive techniques. Radiocarbon calibrated date of the resin sample selected from the surface of the sculpture was established within V$^{th}$ century BC. The study of provenance of the lead taken from the terracotta cavity was carried out using different modern techniques such as trace element analysis and lead stable isotope analysis. Isotope ratios of the lead were determined by ICP-MS. Trace elements composition was studied by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Main elements of the alloy were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. All the samples preliminary were examined by optical microscopy. The advantage of the isotopic composition study in comparison with the detailed element composition of trace elements is the stability of isotopic composition of a heavy elements like lead regardless to the processes involved in the treatment of ores such as roasting or smelting, cupellation or melting, dissolution or corrosion. The isotopic composition remains constant. Nevertheless, trace element pattern indicates the type of an ore.
The results of lead stable isotope analysis demonstrate that non recycled lead was used in the case. It was shown that the lead is originally proceeds from a single source such as Laurion ore deposit (Attica, Greece). The results of trace element analysis of lead support this conclusion. This is the earliest recorded case of the appearance of the Athenian "non-coin" lead on the antique Bosporus.
This research was financially supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant No 18-00-01094).
