Chemical analysis and characterization of first millenium B.C. arrowheads from Tarsus

Abstract

This study was related to the metal artifacts from Tarsus/Gözlükule which was an important urban center from the Chalcholitic to Ottoman Periods. Tarsus is located at the southern end of the Cilician Pass and was able to control trade between Central Anatolia and Mesopotamia. It was also an important port where contacts with Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean as well as Western Anatolia. Tarsus also had access to the ore sources of Central Taurus ranges as well as Kestel tin. The objective of this study was to chemically analyze, typologically categorize and determine their production technologies of 82 metal arrowheads from Late Bronze II (LBII), Iron Age (IA) and Hellenistic-Roman (H-R) periods covering a time span between 1400 BC. and 400 AD. The chemical composition of the 82 arrowheads is determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The results indicate that pure copper was used extensively in all three periods. Arsenical copper and bronze was used during the LBII and IA. Bronze along with pure copper was the main metal utilized during the H-R Period. The arrowheads were stylistically grouped in three categories depending on how they are attached to the shaft, namely socketted, straight pin and butted pin. There was a definite preference in the use of different type of arrowheads in these periods. Straight and butted pin arrowheads were used in the EBII. During the IA, however, there was almost exclusive use of socketted arrowheads. During the H-R period, straight pin arrowheads were in use. 26 socketted arrowheads from the IA constitute a very standard group with a mass of 6.0 ± 1.0 grams. Chemical analysis showed that these socketted arrowheads contained lead over 1.0%. The source of lead is the lead metal that was added to the cavity of the blade to increase the mass of the arrowheads. Socketted arrowheads were cast generally by two piece clay or metal molds.