Journal of Research on Archaeometry
Year:2017 | Volume:2 | Issue:2 |Papers Count:7

In the Bronze Age Archaeology of Northwestern Iran (plateau), the advent of various types of handmade gray-black ceramics shows the arrival of the so-called Kura-Araxian culture. The Urmia Ware, dating to the Late Bronze Age, on the other hand, represents the revival of the buff painted pottery tradition, following the decline of the Early Bronze Kura-Araxian culture. The present work attempted to examine the matrixes of samples of sherds in the Early Bronze gray-black pottery of Kura-Araxes, and a further samples of sherds in the Late Bronze buff-painted pottery of Urmian Ware, all collected during the surface surveys of Kul Tepe, Ajabshir County, through the petrographic technique and observing thin-sections by polarizing microscope, as well as XRD and FT-IR analysis. The main objective was to study the similarities in the structure of the Early Bronze (Kura-Araxian) and Late Bronze (Urmian Ware) ceramics. The primary focus was on examining the possibility of local production of these ceramics through the analysis of the prepared thin-sections and ascertaining their technology, structure and composition, as well as gathering data on such fields as compositions and resources of raw material. Since Kul Tepe contains both Early Bronze and Late Bronze deposits, it offers a good opportunity for studying Archaeometrically the problem of discontinuity in technological pottery traditions, and the fact that whether the Urmian Ware tradition represented a local or an imported phenomenon. Results of the polarization microscopy, as well as the XRD and FT-IR analyses and their comparison to the available regional petrographic indices, showed that the clay used in both samples was procured from a single source, and the Early Bronze Age sherds and the Late Bronze Age painted sherds were then both manufactured locally.

Research and exploration of the remaining relics from the past has special importance in identifying the date, history and the identity of a country. Development and the advancement of human knowledge have offered new methods for the detection archaeological sites that by using them without the need for excavation and destruction of antiquities can be found useful information. Today, the non-destructive geophysical methods such as gravimetry and Magnetometry used to detect the archaeological discoveries without harmful environmental effects that only use natural properties of the subsurface material. For archeology studying, the target is detection of sub-surface structures which was made in the enceint. But here it’s posible was coverd by some overburden such as alluvium.The gravity method is based on density contrast between the anomalous body (walls and chambers) and the host deposites and environments of them. While, in magnetic survey we use contrast of magnetization in between the environment and anomalous bodies, which is caused by natural factors or human activities such as metal products, building materials and cavities are filled. In this paper; to investigate the subsurface structures of walls and rooms in a part of the Teppe-Hissar archaeological site in Damghan, the gravity and magnetic data were used. In order to this work, the gravity and magnetic data measured in a regular grid in the desired area and then after do corrections such as instrument drift correction, free air and slab Bougure, latitude and terrain corrections on gravity data and the daily correction and Reduction to pole (RTP) correction on the magnetic data, the gravity and magnetic anomalies map were obtained. When the data quality permits, a range of highpass filters, such as downward continuation or vertical derivatives, can be applied to bring out fine detail. Also, In order to separate the residual anomaliy from regional we used trend surface method. Local phase filters provide an alternative approach but conventional phase functions need to be unwrapped to remove phase ambiguity. Therefore, detection of the boundary of chambers or walls and the horizontal location of sources can be obtained from derivative based filters such as the horizontal gradient magnitude, tilt-angle, theta-map, Laplacian and tangent hyperbolic. since the tilt angle is based on a ratio of derivatives, it enhances large and small amplitude anomalies well. The results show that the tilt angle is effective in balancing the amplitudes of the different anomalies, but it is not primarily an edge-detection filter. The theta map uses the analytic signal amplitude to normalize the total horizontal derivative. The amplitude of the response of this filter from the deeper and shallow source bodies is similar, although the response from the deeper bodies is rather diffuse. The hyperbolic tilt angle (HTA) filter uses of the real part of the hyperbolic tangent function in the tilt angle calculation achieved better delineation of the edges of the anomalous body than the other filters we use here. The maximum value of the HTA gives location of the body edges. Normalized Derivatives Ratio (NDR), a new edge-detection filter, is based on ratios of the derivatives orthogonal to the horizontal of the field. The NDR is demonstrated using synthetic and real gravity and magnetic data from an archaeology site, Tepe-Hissar. Compared with other filters, the NDR filter produces more detailed results as can see that the separation and detection walls and chambers have a high compliance with the results of excavations carried out. The results of these methods with the results of excavations carried out in the last few decades are highly adaptable, as it can be, according to the results of drilling, subsurface structures such as streets, walls or houses on the data obtained by gravity and magnetic survey. The information and data from these methods in an ancient area can be used as a basic plan by archaeologists for the archaeological exploration and excavation depth of field.

In some of the archeological museum, the variety of blue object are nominated as Egyptian Blue, Lapis lazuli and Lapis lazuli paste. In this research, it was found that there are many mistake in this classification. Lapis lazuli, a brilliant azure-blue color gemstone, is a mixture of minerals, primarily containing the lazurite (blue) with small amounts of calcite, sodalite, and gold-color flecks of pyrite. It has been prized as an ornamental stone for over 6000 years. The most valuable lapis lazuli is the uniform dark blue stone from Badakhshan of Afganistan. This semiprecious blue stone was, and still is, used for jewelry, mosaics and small carvings. Lapis lazuli was also ground and purified to make natural ultramarine blue pigments. The Egyptian blue is the earliest known multicomponent synthetic pigment produced in ancient times in Egypt since the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom in the 3rd millennium BC, where it has been found as a pigment and formed into small objects such as amulets or beads. Egyptian blue frit is a multicomponent material that was produced by firing a mixture of quartz, lime, a copper compound and an alkali flux to a temperature in the range 850-1000 ◦C. Its principal components are calcium-copper tetrasilicate crystals (cuprorivaite), which produce the blue color, and partially reacted quartz particles bonded together by varying amounts of glass phase. In Mesopotamia from about 1200 to 900 BC, the best information on artefacts of Egyptian blue comes from the destruction debris of Hasanlu in north-west of Iran. Also, the range of Egyptian blue production in the Achaemenid period is the best represented in the excavations at Persepolis. It must be emphasized that "Lapis lazuli Paste" is a wrong term which is not truly exist. In this research, considering the wrong terms which is used for nomination of the collection of blue objects; in the labels, registration records, catalogs and etc, some scientific research was done to specify their characterization.10 objects from different archaeological sites including Hasanlu, Ziwiyh and Persepolis from the period of 1st millennium BC to Achamenid were selected for this research. These objects were in different size and dimensions, including high jug with a variety of blue color from dark to pale blue, censer, plaque, small head of a young prince or princess and etc. At first, all of the samples were documented and then, structural investigation was realized by binocular microscope, to know condition and texture of their surfaces. Scientific and analytical research was done by SEM-EDX and XRD. As a result, all of these objects was identified as Egyptian blue. Finally, it was required to consider and overview the classification of the group of blue objects, which was wrongly nominated as "lapis lazuli paste", in fact, it does not exist.

Historic papers contain valuable information about national, cultural, artistic and historical identity and values of every civilization. Identification of paper materials such as fiber type, sizing, and other materials can significantly help to obtain valuable information concerning old civilizations, their attitude, culture, geographical origin, and etc. However, there are some manuscripts that their writing date remains still unknown. Qualitative and quantitative analytical methods can be used as a tool to identify paper materials and therefore dating of historic papers as a cultural piece. In this research work, the dating feasibility of four unknown historic paper scripts was investigated through analysis and comparison of their materials like characteristic and type of fiber and sizing material with four known samples belonging to Safavid period. For this purpose, different techniques such as optical microscopy, color indictor assay, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize paper materials. Using each characterization method, some information about physical, chemical, apparent form, and genus of paper materials were obtained. The results of fiber identification tests including optical microscopy and color indicators assay revealed that, except one sample made of kenaf fiber, all samples were made of flax fibers and no wooden fiber was used in paper making. FTIR data confirmed the presence of cellulose and hemi-cellulose and lack of lignin within all paper samples. Moreover, sizing material used for paper making was polysaccharide type, i.e., starch. TGA and DSC analyses results showed that depending on its thermal and chemical history, each sample had peculiar thermal behavior. Furthermore, compared to cellulose, hemi-cellulose possessed lower thermal stability. Overall, the results of this study revealed that dating of unknown samples through combination of thermal analysis and other characterization methods is possible, so the unknown samples belong to Safavid period. It is to be mentioned that the main goal of this research was dating unknown samples made of papers materials, which in this case all of them were similar. Although some samples may belong to different period, other parameters such as type of contents, differences in aesthetics, type of script, and etc. may be used to distinguish the sampled belonging to the same period. The data obtained in this research can be used in preparation of database for possible identification and dating of unknown historic samples.

This paper presents the results of the Identifying the binder and pigments used in the mural paintings in Rahim Abad Historic Garden and Mansion in Birjand. Birjand was one of the most important governmental strategic cities in Qajar era (1789–1925A.D) and an important branch area of ancient Silk Road which connected India to Europe. Though many monuments, especially historical gardens remained in Birjand. Rahim Abad Historic Garden and Mansion was the resident of Qaenat ruler to consider politics, businesses and accommodating foreign guests. The most important part in the Architectural decoration of Rahim Abad Historic Garden and Mansion is mirror-encrusted decorations, stucco and mural paintings. Due to diversity in building decorations and multiplicity of constructing periods in Rahim Abad Historic Garden and Mansion, identification of pigments used in mural paintings is a great evidential assistance in extracting chronological information. scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX)، Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and handheld X-Ray Florescence (micro-XRF) were used for the characterization of the compound and structure of the paint layers of samples taken from mural paintings. Accord This paper presents the results of the identification of the binder and pigments used in the mural paintings in Rahim Abad Historic Garden and Mansion in Birjand. Birjand was one of the most important governmental strategic cities in Qajar era (1789-1925 A.D.), and an important branch area of ancient Silk Road, which connected India to Europe. Many monuments, especially historical gardens have been remained in Birjand. Rahim Abad Historic Garden and Mansion is one of this gardens, which in the period of Amir Ismail Khan Shaukat Molk, was the location of Qaenat ruler to consider politics, businesses and accommodating foreign guests. The most important part in the Architectural decoration of Rahim Abad Historic Garden and Mansion is mirror-encrusted decorations, stucco and wall paintings. Due to diversity in building decorations and multiplicity of constructing periods in Rahim Abad Historic Garden and Mansion, identification of pigments and materials used in wall paintings is of a great evidential assistance in extracting chronological information. Wall painting is one of the Iran arts that based on the signs of old paint can be pursued to pre-history. One of the most important issues in the study of historical paintings, especially wall painting, is the identification of the nature of paintings used to decorate the walls. Pigments identification is also important not only from the perspective of archeology, but also in terms of the history of art and knowledge of degradation processes and the development of monument conservation strategies is also important. Scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX) ،Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and handheld X-Ray Florescence spectroscopy (micro-XRF) were used for the characterization of the compound and structure of the paint layers of samples taken from mural paintings. In fact, chemical and physical analysis, provides useful information from spectrum of pigments in a region and recognizing color preparation techniques and its application. Also before proceeding restoration, the accurate information from the chemical composition of materials used in object is required. According to the obtained results, mixture of gypsum and calcite as a substrate layer, red lead (Pb3O4), mixture of malachite (CuCO3.Cu(OH)2) and Prussian blue)Fe4(Fe[CN]6)3), ultramarine (Na8-10Al6Si6O24S2-4), and mixture of two metals, copper and zinc, as the pigments were used. Also, an adhesive like animal glue was that of common materials in Qajar period, as well as used to substrate color. Such pigments are further evidence that the mural painting of this monument are from the late Qajar. Oil was used as binder or varnish in this painting and there is in all of the samples. One of the interesting points of the materials used in the paintings was the application of a mixture of pigments to create colors with different tonalities. Another point is the use of imported pigments such as Prussian blue, along with other traditional pigments that were common in of that era. Also, the microscopic examination of golden color indicates the presence of chalcopyrite in this pigment. These compounds exist due to the corrosion of copper metal in golden color, and usually appears in golden colors obtained from two metals alloy, such as copper and zinc, by creating green color in a golden background.ing to the obtained results, mixture of gypsum and calcite as a preparatory layer, red lead (Pb3O4), mixture of malachite (CuCO3.Cu(OH)2) and Prussian blue ) Fe4(Fe[CN]6)3), ultramarine (Na8-10Al6Si6O24S2-4), and mixture of two metals, copper and zinc, as pigments were used. Also, an adhesive like animal glue was that of common materials in Qajar period, as well as used to substrate color. Such pigments are further evidence that the Mural Painting of this Monument are from the late Qajar. Oil was used as binder or varnish in this painting and there is in all of colors.

Gilding on stone is a worthwhile ornaments. These ornaments are vulnerable because of their multilayer structure. This art has been used in the objects and architectural ornaments. Nowadays, a few of these ornaments has been identified. Perhaps this is related to vulnerability of gilding. In this research the technical characteristics of a sample of these decorations in Vank Cathedral belonging to the Safavid period has been studied. The aim of this research was the identification and registration of the technical properties of gilding ornaments on stony inscriptions in Vank Cathedral in Isfahan, where these architectural decorations has been neglected in Iran. The reviews and identifying examples of pre-Islamic Iranian art, proved popularity of these ornaments in pre-Islamic Iran. Moreover, examples of Islamic art-especially in the late era of Safavi, Zand and Qajar were identified. Laboratory study of a sample related to the Safavid period demonstrated the application of high-carat gold leaf with an oily substance as a binder. According to the studies conducted by the author, gilding on stone in Iran is done by four methods: 1- Inlaying; 2- The use of gold foil; 3- The use of golf leaf; and finally 4- Pastiglia on stone. Historical Studies and review of written sources with comparison of the infrared spectrum of historical sample strengthened the probability of oil usage as a binder material. The techniques used in decoration of this inscription, was identified as "Leaf gilding"-"Oil-gilding". In this research, type of study has been library, on-site - observational and laboratory, and the method of amassing, has been citations to authentic documents, laboratory studies (wet chemistry and instrumental analysis), on-site observations and microscopic examination. Finally, with the analysis of the gathered data, the conclusion has been reached. The history and techniques of gilding have also been investigated during the study.

Since two decades ago with the increase in dam construction projects in Iran, a major part of the ancient and historic sites of the country went under water. As mostly, do not exist desirable and sufficient relationship between Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) and other organizations like Ministry of Energy, the budget allocated to the study of ar­chaeological sites behind dams (that will go under water) has been delayed and postponed. The consequences of this situation reveal as fast and emergency rescue excavations that in some cases certainly this haste greatly will reduce the quality of archaeological studies.From scientific and technical perspective and according to directors of dam excavation projects experience, generally believe that fast and emergency excavation it is not only and surest way to preserve and protect of ancient sites; why, given the little time and lack of adequate funding for dam archaeological projects, of course, excavations excavate only a small parts of the archaeological sites. Archaeological excavation experience carried out in several dams like, Seimareh, Sivand, Got­vand, etc, shows that more than one hundred archaeological sites have been surveyed and intro­duced behind the dams and only a handful of them were excavated in one or two seasons, which is only includes less than 10% of the sites and this method cannot be a good strategy for carrying out research projects. Using the boat for going to the sites for excavation, as well as other serious problems in this regard should be add to emergency excavation projects problems...