Tracing metals: an archaeo-metallurgical investigation of metal working remains and artefacts from Thaba Nkulu in the Waterberg, South Africa
Date
2016
Authors
Naylor, Michael Lewis
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Abstract
Excavations conducted at Thaba Nkulu, an Early Farming Community homestead
with associated metal working debris, led to the recovery of iron slag, tuyères,
furnace lining, iron ore, copper artefacts and iron artefacts. Using the material
recovered, this dissertation identified chemical signatures for metal artefacts and
metal smelting and smithing associated material. This was achieved through the use
of a combination of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and Scanning Electron
Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).
The artefacts recovered were analysed, and 3 sets of possible chemical signatures
were recorded.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2015.