A Bronze Button from Late Bronze Age Site of Inzersdorf ob der Traisen

Abstract

In the region of Inzersdorf ob der Traisen in Lower Austria, 273 cremation graves from the late Bronze Age (ca. 1300–800 BC) were recovered. Also, various bronze artefacts were found in some graves, including a button which was analyzed by metallography. It should be determined how the button was manufactured, for example by casting or soldering, and microstructural changes can be detected due to temperature effects by cremation. The button is made of bronze whose composition was determined by XRF: 87 wt.% Cu, 9 wt.% Sn and 1 wt.% Pb. The microstructure of the bronze clearly shows a temperature influence during cremation. The bronze microstructure is recrystallized as well as parts were melted, causing oxidation at the grain boundaries. Also, some areas of the bronze show small shrink holes. Further corrosion took place during long-term storage of the button in the soil.