Indagini su manufatti di bronzo del V sec. a.C. provenienti dalla necropoli di Vaglio, in Italia Meridionale

Bronze objects from the tomb 101 of Braida (Vaglio della Basilicata, Potenza) were investigated by non-destructive x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy in the framework of a conservation project. The investigations were focused on two main questions: a) whether stylistic peculiarities in some parts of a shield would correspond to compositional differences in the alloys and, possibly, to different fabrication contexts and b) whether the cassiterite patina on the shield would be the remain of surface tinning or, rather, the result of peculiar corrosion conditions. Significant compositional differences were observed in different parts of the shield, furthermore the cassiterite patina was found due to corrosion and not to surface tinning, as the sharp interface between cassiterite and bronze initially lead to suppose.