Investigating the origins of metals used in the Early Shang capital of Zhengzhou. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Zhenfei; Liu, Siran; Yang, Shugang; Chen, Kunlong; Chen, Jianli
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 48(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Metal provenance -- Early Shang -- LIA -- Crucible -- Zhengzhou; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.103872
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Highlights: Lead isotope analysis on the varied functional copper processing crucible slags excavated on the Zhengzhou Shang City. Providing secured lead isotopic signature of copper resource used in the Early Shang capital at Zhengzhou for the first time. The depiction of a multi-lined metal supply system for the Early Shang capital during the Upper Erligang period. Abstract: Lead isotope analysis of crucibles and a metal droplet has revealed new information about the provenance of the lead and copper resources used at Zhengzhou Shang City during the Upper Erligang period. The crucibles were found to be divided into three types and associated with copper smelting/refining, leaded tin bronze alloying, and bronze pouring. The copper smelting/refining crucible contains common lead ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.12) and low Pb content in its slag layer. In contrast, the bronze processing crucibles mostly contained highly radiogenic lead ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ≥ 19). One bronze pouring crucible was found to have an exceptionally low 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratio (≤17.2), indicating that it was made with recycled bronze from an earlier period. This research is the first to reveal the lead isotope characteristics of the copper material used during the Upper Erligang period, which is strikingly different from the dominant highly radiogenic lead reported in previous research. The Middle Yangtze River Valley is tentatively proposed as the geological source. This result also shows that the Upper Erligang Shang people had a complex metal supply network, including at least southern copper, highly radiogenic lead, and recycled early bronze.